NEW YORK – Iran’s top diplomat acknowledged Saturday that his country has experienced casualties among its military leadership, but characterized these losses as manageable.
According to NBC News correspondent reporting on social media, Iran’s foreign minister stated “we may have lost a few commanders, but that’s not such a big problem.”
The remarks, made on Saturday, represent a rare public acknowledgment from Iranian leadership regarding military personnel losses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced support for recent US military strikes against Iran on Saturday, emphasizing the need for Washington to take firm action while avoiding broader conflict escalation.
“Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken,” Zelenskyy posted on social media, having previously advocated for regime change in Iran. “This understanding must also come to the Russians,” he continued.
Iran maintains strong ties with Russia, which launched its war against Ukraine in 2022. The Tehran government has provided Moscow with thousands of long-range Shahed drones, and Russian facilities now manufacture weapons based on Iranian designs.
According to Zelenskyy, Russian forces have launched more than 57,000 Shahed-type drones targeting Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict.
“It is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran,” the Ukrainian leader stated, while stressing the importance of protecting civilian lives.
“It is important to prevent the war from expanding. It is important that the United States is acting decisively,” he concluded.
Following the enactment of recent legislation, Kansas state officials have begun notifying transgender residents that their driver’s licenses have been suspended. The invalidation notices are being mailed to affected individuals, informing them that their driving privileges will remain suspended until they modify the gender designation on their identification documents.
The license suspensions are a direct result of new state legislation that has changed how Kansas handles gender information on official identification documents. Hundreds of transgender residents across the state have reportedly received these notification letters from the Kansas Department of Revenue.
The affected individuals must update their gender information with the state before their driving privileges can be reinstated. This requirement stems from the recently passed law that has altered the state’s policies regarding gender markers on official documents.
BERLIN – Three of Europe’s most powerful nations delivered a unified message to Iran on Saturday, demanding an immediate end to military operations targeting regional countries and a return to diplomatic dialogue.
In a coordinated statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed their strongest disapproval of Iran’s recent military actions.
“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms,” the three leaders declared in their joint announcement.
The European officials pushed for diplomatic solutions, stating: “We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
The trio emphasized their ongoing concerns about multiple Iranian activities, including the nation’s nuclear development efforts, ballistic missile capabilities, regional interference, and internal suppression of citizens.
The European leaders made clear their nations were not involved in Saturday’s military operations, while noting they maintain regular communication with international allies, including the United States, Israel, and other regional partners.
“We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life,” the statement concluded.
Three sources with knowledge of Israeli military operations have reported that two high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed in recent Israeli strikes, according to information released February 28th.
The officials reportedly killed include Iran’s Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour. Two sources with direct knowledge of Israeli military activities, along with one regional intelligence source, confirmed the deaths of both Iranian leaders.
The reports come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran in the region.
Financial markets are bracing for potential upheaval after the United States and Israel conducted military operations against Iran over the weekend, with President Donald Trump stating the action would eliminate security risks and potentially empower Iranian citizens to challenge their government.
The military action has heightened concerns among oil-producing nations in the Persian Gulf region as tensions continue to mount, prompting Iran to fire missiles toward Israeli territory in response.
According to four industry sources, several major oil companies and prominent trading firms have halted petroleum and fuel transport through the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing hostilities.
Market specialists are offering their perspectives on the potential economic fallout:
Vishnu Varathan, who leads macro research for Asia excluding Japan at Mizuho in Singapore, explained: “A broader state of spots of regional attacks/instability may be par for the course – in line with Iran’s warning. Oil prices are likely to remain elevated as production and passage remain prone to attacks and disruptions. OPEC may be under pressure to raise production to try and offset. But a 10-25% premium on oil is not outlandish – even without a blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, which is easily a 50% premium risk event.”
Christopher Wong, a strategist with OCBC in Singapore, noted: “The strike raises geopolitical risk premia as markets head into Monday’s open. The immediate reaction function is fairly predictable: safe-haven assets such as gold are likely to see an upside gap, while oil prices may also firm on supply-disruption concerns. Risk assets and high-beta currencies… could face an initial bout of volatility, particularly if headlines suggest potential retaliation or regional spillovers.”
Nick Ferres, chief investment officer at Vantage Point Asset Management in Singapore, offered a concise assessment: “Energy is still inexpensive. That’s the obvious sector that rallies on Monday. And gold.”
Saul Kavonic, an energy analyst with MST Marquee in Sydney, provided a more detailed analysis: “Early indications are of a broader scale attack on Iran, with counterattacks which could escalate to draw in multiple gulf countries. If the Iranian regime feel they face an existential threat, attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz cannot be ruled out. The US and allies will have military escort plans to try protect passage through the Strait.”
Kavonic continued: “But if Iran were to manage to disrupt flows through the Strait, over 20% of global oil and LNG flows could be impacted. This could present a scenario three times the severity of the arab oil embargo and Iranian revolution in the 1970s, and drive oil prices into the triple digits, while LNG prices could retest the record highs of 2022.”
He further warned: “The scope for intentional and unintentional escalation in these circumstances is broad and hard to predict. Initial oil market reactions will price in higher risk of various scenarios that may disrupt supply, from a more modest disruption to 2mmbbld of Iranian exports, to attacks on regional oil infrastructure, through to disruption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz in the most extreme scenario. This could add several dollars more to oil, poised for even higher price spikes is the conflict escalates.”
Regarding the critical shipping route, Kavonic concluded: “A full prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely. But even a partial disruption of flows, especially as some tankers avoid the region, could see several million barrels per day of oil disrupted which would still send oil over $100.”
The recent British Academy Film and Television Arts Awards ceremony has sparked difficult conversations among Black individuals living with Tourette syndrome after an attendee’s vocal tic produced a racial slur during a presentation by two Black actors from “Sinners.”
Chloe Winston, a 24-year-old who experiences coprolalia – the same type of verbal tic as BAFTA nominee and Tourette advocate John Davidson who shouted the offensive word – described her conflicted emotions about the situation. “It’s been pretty difficult because I feel like there’s such a clash between both sides,” Winston explained. “A tic is not intentional, but it still causes harm. And I think that does require accountability.”
The outburst occurred precisely when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were announcing the evening’s opening award, creating a controversy that dominated Sunday’s ceremony coverage. Initial reactions included outrage that the performers and other Black guests were exposed to the slur, followed by frustration from disability advocates over misunderstanding about Tourette syndrome. The BBC faced particularly harsh criticism for broadcasting the uncensored slur during their delayed coverage two hours later, unlike most major award shows that use brief delays to prevent such incidents.
Both BAFTA and BBC issued apologies that many deemed inadequate, with the BBC announcing plans to remove the segment from their iPlayer streaming platform.
The controversy has motivated Black individuals with Tourette syndrome, including politicians and social media influencers, to share their perspectives. They emphasize that compassion for those with the condition doesn’t diminish the hurt experienced by the Black community, while calling for recognition of the damage caused. Some express concern that misconceptions about Tourette syndrome might worsen racial profiling or bias against Black people with the disorder.
Advocacy organizations are now leveraging this moment to expand support networks for Black individuals who feel marginalized by their Tourette syndrome diagnosis.
According to the Tourette Association of America, Tourette syndrome represents a neurodevelopmental condition marked by unexpected, uncontrollable movements and sounds known as tics. These manifestations can be physical or vocal, ranging from barely noticeable to severely debilitating.
Dr. Jeremiah Scharf, a tic disorder expert at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained the neurological basis: “We know that there’s this sort of sensory and motor loop happening. And again, similarly in the vocalizations, they typically start with things like coughing, sniffing, or other just non-specific sounds.”
Symptoms typically emerge during elementary years and reach their peak intensity between ages 10 and 14, Scharf noted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 1.4 million Americans live with Tourette syndrome or related persistent tic disorders.
Coprolalia involves “the involuntary utterance of obscene and socially unacceptable words and phrases,” affecting an estimated 10-15% of those with Tourette syndrome, according to the association. The organization warns against judging individuals based on their tic content.
These verbal eruptions – usually profanity and offensive language – stem from biological factors that stress can intensify, including sleep deprivation or emotional distress, Scharf explained. The tics resist control and occur involuntarily, comparable to sneezing.
“Unfortunately, for this subset of people, it is incredibly disabling because they don’t want to say those things. It’s very distressing to them,” Scharf said, speaking generally rather than about the specific BAFTA situation. “They feel significant remorse about it.”
Managing severe tic disorders involves various approaches from medications to behavioral interventions. Teaching the brain to manage tics “takes an enormous amount of practice in terms of recognizing when the tics are coming,” Scharf noted, though no universal treatment exists.
Jhónelle Bean, a Black American Sign Language interpreter with Tourette syndrome, addressed the polarized BAFTA discussion through TikTok, where her video about the situation’s complexity has attracted over 3 million viewers.
“Two things can be true at the same time,” Bean stated. “Just because he ticced that does not mean it was intentional. But then also that still caused hurt or harm for people that heard it, which again is why I’m mad at the BAFTAs and the BBC for keeping it in the broadcast in the first place because they had the power to take it out.”
Bean also highlighted discriminatory “ableism” responses suggesting Davidson “should have been locked away, he should’ve had a muzzle, things like that.” However, she disagreed with social media users telling those offended by the slur to simply “get over it.”
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who is Black and has Tourette syndrome, described the physical and mental difficulty of suppressing tics. As someone who also experiences coprolalia, Williams acknowledged Davidson’s attempt to leave the situation, though noted “maybe he could have moved a little sooner.”
“For me, it was all about making sure we’re practicing care. And I don’t think that happened for the two actors that were there or the Black folks who were there or people who didn’t want to hear the word,” Williams said.
Reice Griffin, a 20-year-old Tourette Association of America rising leader and ambassador, described constant anxiety for Black individuals with Tourette syndrome or tic disorders. She has encountered people who witness her tics and assume drug use or aggressive behavior, with police interactions creating additional stress.
“Law enforcement is not well equipped to deal with Tourette syndrome, but also historically, as a Black person, you never really want to be around law enforcement,” Griffin observed.
The association, which provides “I Have TS” identification cards, actively works to increase support for people of color.
Griffin recently participated in a virtual support group for Black young adults and speaks at schools and community events to build confidence.
“I thought that because I had Tourette syndrome that, like, public speaking was out the window,” Griffin reflected. “If I could help another young Black girl with Tourette syndrome not feel as alone or help people get diagnosed — that’s the dream.”
Williams agrees that Black individuals with Tourette syndrome lack adequate support and tries to help by sharing his experiences, leading to direct contact from New Yorkers.
“Sometimes in the street or an event people will bring their family member up which is always a pretty emotional space for me because when I see the kid, I know what they’re going through,” Williams said.
PHARR, Texas — The familiar voice of Latin Grammy winner Bobby Pulido echoes through an adult day care facility in South Texas, his Spanish lyrics floating from corner speakers as he prepares to make his pitch for votes in his congressional campaign.
Wearing his signature cowboy boots, dark denim, leather jacket and cream-colored cowboy hat, the Democratic candidate enters the facility where seniors are engaged in card games and friendly conversation. While some inquire about the man in Western attire, others pay little attention until the music stops and Pulido takes the microphone.
Speaking in Spanish, he urges the crowd to vote and encourage their children to do the same. “Because the truth is that we are living in difficult times right now and it is important to make a change,” he tells them.
The Tejano music icon, who has spent thirty years performing the genre that originated in South Texas fields and neighborhoods, represents the Democratic Party’s strategy to regain ground with Hispanic voters who have increasingly supported Republicans during the Trump years. Party leaders view him as their strongest candidate to unseat U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, the sole Republican House member representing Texas’ Rio Grande Valley in a district specifically designed to protect her seat.
The region features three competitive contests this election cycle, placing it at the heart of the fight for House control after Texas Republicans redrew district maps at former President Donald Trump’s urging to benefit their party. Tuesday marks the primary elections.
Despite being new to political campaigns, Pulido continues his farewell concert tour with two remaining performances, including one scheduled this weekend in Mexico. His Democratic primary opponent is Ada Cuellar, a physician and law school graduate campaigning from a more progressive position. Cuellar contends that Pulido lacks connection with voters and that both he and party leaders overestimate the value of his musical fame.
The competitive U.S. Senate primary has spilled into the congressional race, with state Rep. James Talarico supporting Pulido while U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett backs Cuellar.
Whoever wins the Democratic nomination for the 15th Congressional District faces an uphill battle in November. De La Cruz secured victory by 14 percentage points in 2024, before Republicans adjusted district boundaries to strengthen her advantage further.
The territory Pulido seeks to represent spans 300 miles from the Mexican border northward through ranch land and small communities. The district’s population is 81% Hispanic, economically disadvantaged compared to state and national averages, and predominantly Catholic. It exemplifies the movement of working-class Hispanic voters toward the Republican Party, a significant political development of recent years.
Within the redrawn district, Democratic presidential support declined from 55% for Hillary Clinton in 2016 to just 41% for Kamala Harris in 2024.
Acknowledging the area’s cultural conservatism, Pulido has adopted centrist positions that sometimes frustrate progressive activists. On abortion, he explains his personal opposition while supporting women’s right to choose.
“Even if I personally would not be OK with it, I still respect that other people might make their own decisions and that we have to be OK with that,” he stated.
The candidate has faced criticism for years of provocative social media content, including offensive jokes and links to adult websites. He once shared a video appearing to show him urinating on Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star, later revealing it was a prank involving a water bottle.
“My sense of humor on social media — and it’s very much in Spanish, I have a lot of fans in Mexico — sometimes that humor doesn’t translate,” Pulido acknowledged, expressing embarrassment over some past posts.
Primary rival Cuellar emphasizes her healthcare system experience and policy knowledge, contrasting her background with Pulido’s entertainment career.
“He doesn’t really understand the issues or have the solutions that I have,” she argued.
Running a more liberal campaign, Cuellar particularly challenges Pulido’s abortion stance as misaligned with Democratic voters.
She views Pulido’s threat stemming not from his fame but from strong backing by Washington and local Hidalgo County establishment figures. Unnamed officials have pressured her to withdraw from the race, Cuellar claims.
“I am like a scrappy underdog, and I’ve been one my whole life,” Cuellar said. “So I really am not concerned about the celebrity itself, but I’m fighting this establishment pressure, and that’s really the biggest challenge I’m faced with.”
Self-funding her campaign to match Pulido’s spending, she has broadcast television advertisements while he has not.
National Democratic leadership considers Pulido’s moderate approach better suited for the general election against De La Cruz. Despite generally supporting Trump and House leadership, she was among just 17 House Republicans voting with Democrats to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
At a Trump rally in Corpus Christi Friday, De La Cruz highlighted their collaboration on pressuring Mexico to release water owed from the shared Rio Grande basin.
“We have together delivered for Texas and delivered for our nation by turning all of South Texas red, and we will continue to keep Texas red,” De La Cruz declared.
Back at My Morning Star Adult Day Care, Pulido’s music resumed as he moved between tables, greeting visitors with handshakes and conversation in English or Spanish based on their preferences.
“I’ll ask the sky to not make me suffer anymore,” his recorded voice croons over accordion and percussion, telling a tale of heartbreak and yearning. The 1997 hit “Le Pediré” ranks among his career highlights spanning three decades.
Pulido earned Latin Grammy Awards for Best Tejano Album in 2022 and 2025, plus received an American Grammy nomination this year.
His musical roots run deep in Tejano culture, which combines Mexican folk traditions with European dance styles introduced by Czech, German and Polish immigrants. The genre remains closely tied to this specific Central and South Texas region, where many residents trace ancestry to the Republic of Texas era before statehood.
His father, Roberto Pulido, pioneered the genre, which has declined in popularity since its 1990s peak when Selena achieved mainstream success.
Beyond celebrity status, Bobby Pulido’s generational connection to Tejano music provides authentic credibility with local residents, according to Cathy Ragland, a University of North Texas ethnomusicology professor specializing in border music.
“He is a homegrown guy in the border, and that gets you a lot of mileage,” she observed.
Sitting outside the day care center, Pulido acknowledged that fame helps in political campaigns but doesn’t guarantee victory.
“I’m not going to lie, it opens the door. It doesn’t seal the deal,” Pulido reflected.
“I don’t think people vote for you because you’re famous. They’ll listen to you because you’re famous, and then they’re going to decide if they want to vote for you or not.”
WASHINGTON — Two political movements that typically stand on opposite sides of the aisle are finding common ground in an extraordinary Supreme Court case scheduled for Monday, creating partnerships that would have seemed impossible just years ago.
The high court will examine whether federal law can prohibit marijuana users from legally possessing firearms, a question that has produced some of the most surprising political alliances in recent memory.
In an unusual twist, the incoming Trump administration finds itself defending restrictions on gun ownership, with support from gun-control organizations that typically back Democratic policies.
Meanwhile, the National Rifle Association has joined forces with the American Civil Liberties Union in opposing the federal restriction.
The legal battle centers on federal legislation that prohibits individuals who regularly consume marijuana from lawfully possessing firearms. This issue has created disagreement among lower courts following a significant 2022 Supreme Court ruling that broadened Second Amendment protections.
ACLU legal director Cecillia Wang argues the statute violates constitutional gun rights and lacks clarity regarding what constitutes drug use.
“We’re deeply concerned with the potential of this statute to basically give federal prosecutors a blank check,” she said. “Millions of Americans use marijuana and there is no way for them to know based on words of this statute whether they could be charged or convicted of this crime because they own a firearm.”
Medical marijuana has gained legal status in most states, while recreational use is permitted in approximately half the nation.
However, the federal prohibition extends beyond marijuana to encompass all illegal substances, potentially opening the door for broader gun ownership rights among various drug users. Everytown for Gun Safety maintains the restriction satisfies the Supreme Court’s standard that firearms laws must be rooted in historical precedent.
“Restricting firearm use by illegal drug users is ‘as old as legislative recognition of the drug problem itself,’” their legal team stated.
Despite state-level changes, marijuana remains federally prohibited, though President Trump has issued an executive order to expedite its reclassification as a less hazardous substance.
The Justice Department seeks to reinstate criminal charges against Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas resident who faced felony accusations for possessing a firearm while admitting to smoking marijuana every other day. During a home search connected to a larger investigation, FBI agents discovered a small quantity of cocaine, though only the gun-related charge was pursued.
The conservative-leaning 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case, determining that only individuals who are intoxicated while armed can face criminal charges.
While the administration has supported gun rights in other matters, government attorneys contend this restriction is reasonable. “Habitual illegal drug users with firearms present unique dangers to society — especially because they pose a grave risk of armed, hostile encounters with police officers while impaired,” they argued in legal filings. They compare the law to historical restrictions on frequently intoxicated individuals.
Although the conservative-majority Supreme Court has expanded firearm rights, it has also maintained federal legislation disarming individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders. The Justice Department draws parallels between drug users and domestic violence subjects as similar risks. The same law was applied in Hunter Biden’s case, who was convicted of purchasing a firearm while struggling with cocaine addiction.
However, the NRA and other Second Amendment organizations, typically Republican allies, oppose the administration in Hemani’s case.
“Americans have traditionally chosen which substances are acceptable for responsible recreational use, and the fundamental right to keep and bear arms was never denied to people who occasionally partook in such drugs — unless they were carrying arms while actively intoxicated,” Second Amendment Foundation attorneys wrote in court documents.
The marijuana advocacy organization NORML supports this position, noting that baby boomers represent one of the fastest-growing user demographics, often using products like marijuana gummies for arthritis relief and sleep issues.
“It’s laughable to think that by outlawing cannabis users possessing firearms you’ll minimize the problem with gun violence,” said Joe A. Bondy, chair of NORML’s board of directors, one of America’s oldest and largest marijuana legalization advocacy groups.
International leaders voiced strong reactions following Saturday’s coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, with many calling for immediate de-escalation as tensions escalate across the Middle East region.
The following represents how world officials responded to the military action:
DMITRY MEDVEDEV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF RUSSIA’S SECURITY COUNCIL
The former Russian president criticized the strikes, stating: “The peacemaker once again showed his face. All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. No one doubted it. No one really wanted to negotiate anything.”
Medvedev also referenced historical longevity, saying: “The question is who has more patience to wait for the inglorious end of their enemy. The USA is only 249 years old. The Persian Empire was founded more than 2,500 years ago. Let’s see in 100 years…”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
France’s leader pushed for an emergency United Nations Security Council session, warning that conflict between America, Israel and Iran creates “serious consequences” for global peace and stability.
“The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop. The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good-faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its actions to destabilise the region,” Macron wrote on X.
“This is absolutely essential for the security of everyone in the Middle East.”
UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF VOLKER TURK
“I deplore the military strikes across Iran this morning by Israel and the United States of America, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran. As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price.
“Bombs and missiles are not the way to resolve differences but only result in death, destruction and human misery.
“To avert these terrible consequences for civilians, I call for restraint and implore all parties To see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the ‘negotiating table’ where they had been actively seeking a solution only hours earlier.
“I have already warned that failing to do so risks an even wider conflict, that will inevitably lead to further senseless civilian deaths and destruction on a potentially unimaginable scale, not just in Iran but across the Middle East region.”
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY
Canada’s Prime Minister expressed backing for American efforts, stating his nation supports the U.S. “acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.”
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ
“We demand immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law,” Sanchez declared in a social media statement on platform X.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Albares subsequently posted on X that Madrid insisted on respecting international law, reducing tensions and pursuing dialogue, while expressing support for those targeted by the strikes.
“The attacks must stop,” he stated.
OMAN
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi revealed that active diplomatic talks his nation was facilitating between Iran and America were “yet again undermined” due to the current escalation.
“Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this…I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war,” he posted on X.
LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER NAWAF SALAM
“I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.”
NORWEGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ESPEN BARTH EIDE
“The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat.”
UKRAINE’S FOREIGN MINISTRY
“The cause of the current events is precisely the violence and impunity of the Iranian regime, in particular the killings and repression of peaceful protesters, which have become particularly widespread in recent months,” Ukraine’s foreign ministry stated.
International soccer officials have given the green light to major rule modifications designed to eliminate stalling tactics and accelerate match tempo, with these adjustments scheduled to debut during the 2026 World Cup and throughout all competitions worldwide.
The International Football Association Board reached these decisions during their 140th Annual General Meeting held Saturday in Hensol, Wales.
Among the most notable modifications is implementing countdown timers for throw-ins and goal kicks.
When officials determine that a throw-in or goal kick is being unnecessarily delayed or intentionally stalled, referees will display a five-second visual timer. Teams that fail to resume action before time runs out will lose possession, with throw-ins switching to the opposing team and delayed goal kicks resulting in corner kicks for opponents.
This expansion builds upon previous regulations introduced last year targeting goalkeepers who excessively hold onto the ball.
Substituted players will now have just 10 seconds to exit the field after officials display the substitution board or signal the change.
Teams that exceed this timeframe will see their incoming player forced to wait until the next play stoppage after one full minute of action, though the departing player must still exit immediately.
Any player requiring medical evaluation on the field or whose injury halts play must leave the pitch when action resumes and stay off for one minute. Officials designed this rule to prevent teams from using fake injuries to waste time.
The meeting also endorsed three modifications to video assistant referee procedures. VAR officials can now intervene in additional scenarios when clear evidence exists: incorrect second yellow cards leading to ejections, cases involving wrong player identification, and corner kicks mistakenly awarded.
Beginning July 1, updated Laws of the Game will permit non-hazardous items to be worn when properly covered, and allow referees to use chest or head-mounted cameras.
Additional clarifications addressed dropped ball situations, giving possession to whichever team would have maintained control if play hadn’t stopped, and accidental double contacts during penalty attempts.
The board also agreed to examine issues involving players leaving the field to protest referee decisions or team officials encouraging such behavior, plus players covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents.
Weekend military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran have financial analysts warning of potential widespread market disruption and rising oil costs that could affect consumers across the globe.
The military action has created anxiety among oil-producing nations in the Gulf region as concerns about broader conflict intensify. Iran responded to the strikes by firing missiles toward Israel.
Energy markets are particularly vulnerable given Iran’s role as a significant oil producer and its location across from major oil-producing Arab nations near the Strait of Hormuz. This critical waterway handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil transportation.
The potential for supply disruptions has already had immediate effects. Trading sources reported Saturday that several major oil companies and trading firms have halted crude oil and fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following the attacks.
Brent crude was trading around $73 per barrel on Friday, representing a 20% increase for the year. William Jackson from Capital Economics suggests that even limited conflict could push Brent prices to approximately $80, matching levels seen during Iran’s 12-day conflict last June.
Extended fighting that disrupts supply chains could drive oil costs toward $100 per barrel, Jackson noted in his analysis. Such an increase might boost global inflation by 0.6 to 0.7 percentage points.
Market instability extends beyond energy sectors. Global financial markets have already experienced significant swings this year due to trade policy changes and technology sector declines. The VIX volatility measure has climbed one-third this year, while U.S. bond volatility indicators show a 15% increase.
Currency fluctuations are also anticipated. During June’s conflict, the dollar index dropped roughly 1%, though it recovered within several days. CBA analysts noted that the extent of currency movement will depend on conflict duration and scope.
“In current circumstances, the size of the fall will depend on how large and how long-lasting the conflict is expected to be,” CBA analysts stated in their recent assessment.
“If the conflict was long-lasting and disrupted oil supplies, we expect the U.S. dollar would lift against most currencies except Japanese yen and Swiss franc. The U.S. is a net energy exporter and so benefits from higher oil and gas prices that would result from disrupted oil supply.”
Israel’s currency faces particular pressure following Iran’s quick retaliation Saturday. The shekel declined 5% during June’s conflict and showed similar reactions after previous regional incidents in 2024. While past episodes were temporary with quick recoveries, JPMorgan suggests this situation could differ if conflict persists.
“This would especially be the case if confrontation with Iran also triggers more intensive operations against Iran’s proxies,” the financial institution warned.
Safe-haven investments are experiencing increased demand. The Swiss franc, traditionally sought during uncertain times, has gained 3% against the dollar this year and faces additional upward pressure that concerns the Swiss National Bank.
Gold continues its record performance with 22% gains in 2026, while silver maintains strong momentum. U.S. Treasury bonds are also attracting investors as yields decline. However, bitcoin has fallen 2% Saturday and lost over 25% of its value in two months, no longer viewed as a safe investment.
Middle Eastern stock markets opening Sunday, including those in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, will provide early indicators of investor confidence. These markets typically mirror oil price movements, but escalating conflict could create broader economic ripple effects.
Ryan Lemand of Neovision Wealth Management expects market declines if hostilities continue. “I suspect markets will be down if these hostilities continue through the day,” he said, predicting potential 3-5% drops in Gulf equity markets depending on conflict scale.
Saudi Arabia’s primary stock index has already declined 1.3% over five days through Thursday, marking its second straight week of losses. Dubai’s main market also fell during recent weeks.
International airlines canceled Middle East flights Saturday, and aviation stocks may face pressure if conflict spreads and forces additional airspace restrictions. Conversely, European defense contractors, already up 10% this year, could see increased demand for their products.
Berkshire Hathaway announced Saturday that its quarterly earnings dropped substantially in the final three months of the year, driven by investment losses and weakened performance from its insurance operations.
The financial results represent the conclusion of Warren Buffett’s era as the company’s chief executive officer, with Greg Abel now assuming the CEO role while Buffett continues as chairman of the board.
The investment conglomerate revealed it closed out the year holding $373.3 billion in cash reserves, providing Abel with substantial resources to pursue large-scale acquisitions that had been challenging for Buffett to secure in recent years.
The company’s quarterly operational earnings dropped by 30 percent to $10.2 billion, equivalent to approximately $7,092 for each Class A share, compared to $14.53 billion during the same period the previous year.
The earnings decline was attributed to significant losses on the company’s stakes in Kraft Heinz and Occidental Petroleum, combined with weaker results from Berkshire’s various insurance subsidiaries.
SAO PAULO – Brazil’s government issued a stern rebuke Saturday following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian facilities, calling the actions deeply troubling.
In an official statement, Brazilian officials emphasized their concerns about the timing of the military operations. “The attacks occurred amid a negotiation process between the parties, which is the only viable path to peace, a position traditionally defended by Brazil in the region,” the government declared.
The South American nation urged all involved countries to honor international legal standards and show maximum caution to prevent further escalation of conflict while safeguarding civilian populations.
Brazil’s diplomatic missions throughout the Middle East are closely tracking the situation, with special focus on protecting Brazilian citizens living in nations affected by the military actions, the statement noted.
Motorists traveling eastbound on Park Avenue will need to find alternate routes today as construction crews have blocked traffic between Woodbranch Road and Nanticoke Avenue.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the eastbound lane closure is scheduled to continue until 5 p.m. this afternoon while work is being completed in the area.
Drivers are advised to plan extra time for their commute and consider using alternate routes to avoid delays in the construction zone.
Drivers traveling eastbound on Park Avenue will encounter a lane closure that’s expected to last through Monday evening, according to DelDOT officials.
The eastbound lane remains blocked between Woodbranch Road and Nanticoke Avenue as construction crews continue their work in the area. Traffic restrictions are set to remain in place until 5 p.m. today.
Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes or allow extra travel time when navigating through the affected area during the closure period.
The United States and Israel have executed coordinated military operations targeting sites within Iranian territory, according to reports.
The joint strikes represent a notable escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the two allied nations.
Details about the specific targets, timing, and scope of the military action are currently being examined as the situation continues to develop.
The Biden administration is working to explain recent U.S. military operations against Iranian targets to the American people through official statements and briefings.
White House officials are focusing their public communications on providing context and justification for the military strikes that have taken place in Iran.
The administration’s messaging strategy appears centered on keeping the public informed about the developments and the reasoning behind the military action.
Kansas state officials have begun mailing notifications to transgender residents informing them that their driver’s licenses will be revoked unless they modify the gender designation on their identification documents, following the enactment of new state legislation.
The recently passed law mandates that individuals update their official identification to reflect their birth-assigned gender, prompting the state to take action against current license holders whose documents show a different gender identity.
Recipients of these official notices are being told they must alter their gender information or face having their driving privileges suspended under the new legal requirements.
An eatery in Mobile, Alabama, displayed what seemed like an impossible promotional offer with their storefront sign reading: “Free oysters to any man 80 years old accompanied by his father.”
The seemingly impossible challenge was met when Jimmy Rush arrived at the establishment on his milestone 80th birthday, bringing along his father Jim. NPR’s Scott Simon spoke with Rush about taking advantage of this unique dining opportunity.
The restaurant’s clever marketing ploy, which likely seemed safe from any actual takers, found its match in the Rush family’s remarkable situation of having both an octogenarian son and his still-living father able to claim the promotional offer together.
Changes to federal Small Business Administration lending rules are creating new obstacles for legal immigrants who want to start their own businesses in the United States.
The updated SBA policies now prohibit non-citizens from obtaining the government-backed loans that many entrepreneurs rely on to launch their ventures, regardless of their legal immigration status.
NPR’s Scott Simon recently interviewed immigrant entrepreneur Cristina Foanene to discuss how these regulatory changes have impacted her journey to secure financing for her business startup.
The conversation highlighted the challenges that legal immigrants now face when trying to access traditional small business funding options that were previously available to them.
These policy modifications represent a significant shift in how the federal government approaches small business lending to immigrant communities across the country.
VATICAN CITY — One of the world’s most celebrated Renaissance masterpieces is undergoing a delicate cleaning process as restoration specialists work to eliminate a crusty white salt layer that has built up on Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” over the past thirty years since its previous major restoration.
Vatican officials provided media access on Saturday to observe the restoration work, which requires extensive floor-to-ceiling scaffolding that currently blocks the massive fresco depicting heaven and hell on the chapel’s front wall.
The restoration project should wrap up by Easter during the first week of April. Tourists can still tour the chapel during the work, though they’ll view a digital reproduction displayed on a screen covering the scaffolding instead of the original artwork.
Vatican Museum representatives explained Saturday that this straightforward yet crucial cleaning addresses the white salt deposits formed by the approximately 25,000 daily visitors to the Vatican Museums.
“This salt is created because, above all, when we sweat, we emit lactic acid, and unfortunately lactic acid reacts with the calcium carbonate present on the wall,” said Fabio Moresi, in charge of the scientific research team at the Vatican Museums that is overseeing the cleaning.
Rising temperatures due to climate change worsen the problem, as visitors perspire more heavily, generating additional moisture that interacts with the artwork, Moresi explained.
Vatican Museums director Barbara Jatta compared the salt coating to a “cataract” that can be removed through a relatively simple process: restoration specialists soak Japanese rice paper sheets in distilled water, then gently press and wipe them across the fresco surface to lift away the salt layer.
The dramatic transformation becomes apparent when viewing the work up close from the scaffolding platform: untreated areas appear covered in chalky powder, while cleaned sections reveal brilliant colors and intricate details from the original painting. On the central figure of Christ, for instance, observers can now clearly see Michelangelo’s brushwork depicting hair texture and crucifixion wounds.
The chapel bears the name of Pope Sixtus IV, an arts supporter who directed construction of the primary papal chapel during the 1400s.
However, a subsequent pope, Julius II, hired Michelangelo to create the renowned ceiling artwork featuring “Creation of Adam” with God’s extended hand from 1508 to 1512. Later, Pope Clement VII brought Michelangelo back in 1533 to complete “The Last Judgment.”
Other Sistine Chapel frescoes, located where Pope Leo XIV was chosen in May, receive annual maintenance with workers using mobile lifts during overnight hours, removing equipment each morning before public tours begin.
Those mobile units cannot reach all portions of “The Last Judgment” because the fresco sits behind the altar, which stands elevated on marble steps. This access challenge necessitated installing permanent scaffolding to reach the entire artwork for proper cleaning.
The Sistine Chapel received comprehensive restoration from 1979 through 1999, eliminating centuries of accumulated smoke, dirt and wax residue. Vatican officials preserved small unchanged sections to demonstrate the contrast, now visible from upper scaffolding levels showing walls that were nearly black before treatment.
Instead of dramatically limiting visitor numbers to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican officials are exploring humidity control solutions through air filtration and other technologies to prevent future salt film formation.
OMAHA, Neb. — The new chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway issued his inaugural shareholder letter this weekend, marking a significant milestone as Greg Abel steps into the role previously held by legendary investor Warren Buffett. The company simultaneously announced it would take a $4.5 billion write-down on investments in Kraft Heinz and Occidental Petroleum.
Abel assumed the CEO position this past January, giving him his first opportunity to establish his leadership approach. While investors are closely monitoring potential operational shifts, both Abel and Buffett have indicated the company will maintain its established business practices.
The correspondence begins by honoring Buffett’s legacy and pledges to preserve the corporate philosophy that has driven success for more than sixty years. Abel committed to continuing the operational methods that have defined the company’s approach.
Though Buffett retains his role as board chairman and remains the company’s primary stakeholder, he continues providing guidance to the Nebraska-based business empire he created. However, Abel now authors the widely-anticipated annual communications that became essential reading in the investment community due to Buffett’s exceptional performance history and distinctive commentary style. At the upcoming May shareholder gathering, Abel will field questions independently while Buffett observes alongside other board members.
Administrative adjustments represent the primary modifications Abel has implemented thus far, along with January documentation indicating potential divestment of some or all of Berkshire’s 325 million Kraft Heinz shares. Buffett likely endorsed this strategy, having previously acknowledged the company paid excessive amounts during the Heinz-Kraft combination and expressing concerns about the food manufacturer’s division plans. Numerous investors have historically attempted to mirror Buffett’s investment decisions within Berkshire’s extensive stock holdings.
The conglomerate’s strength stems from its ownership of numerous subsidiaries, including major insurance providers like Geico, the BNSF railway system, multiple utility companies, and various manufacturing and retail operations. Popular consumer brands under Berkshire’s umbrella include Dairy Queen and See’s Candy, alongside industrial suppliers such as Precision Castparts, Lubrizol, and Iscar Metalworking.
Abel brings substantial familiarity with Berkshire’s portfolio, having overseen all non-insurance subsidiaries since 2018. Company leaders reporting to him have commended his understanding of their diverse business operations.
Israel implemented sweeping emergency protocols Saturday, shuttering educational institutions and prohibiting public assemblies as Iran fired missiles at the country in response to a combined American-Israeli military operation against Tehran.
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a nationwide emergency declaration, alerting citizens about incoming Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting the nation.
Israeli military officials instructed civilians to adhere to emergency protocols while announcing the mobilization of tens of thousands of reserve forces, including troops deployed to strengthen border defenses. Law enforcement agencies requested citizens avoid unnecessary trips to ensure emergency and security vehicles could operate without obstruction.
Despite the threat, some Tel Aviv residents visited coastal areas Saturday before Iran’s initial response began, expressing confidence in their advanced air defense capabilities and voicing approval for military action against Iran.
“It’s about time,” said Shira Dorany as she took a walk along Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean-front promenade.
“I don’t want to wait anymore for what’s coming. Now, it’s coming. Let’s finish it.”
Initial reports indicated minimal damage or casualties from Iran’s opening missile volleys. Israeli citizens typically have access to protective shelters and receive warnings through a comprehensive national alert network.
The two nations previously engaged in aerial combat last year following Israel’s surprise June assault on Iran, which the United States subsequently joined. That 12-day conflict resulted in over 30 Israeli deaths and more than 900 Iranian casualties.
Tel Aviv, home to several military installations, sustained numerous hits during the previous year’s conflict, along with southern Israeli regions housing military facilities.
Israeli authorities suspended civilian air traffic Saturday while keeping land crossings with Egypt and Jordan operational, according to airport authority representatives.
The American Embassy in Jerusalem instructed government staff to shelter in place, following Friday’s advisory allowing personnel to depart the country voluntarily.
Jerusalem residents were observed hurrying to purchase food supplies and withdraw cash as sounds of missile interceptions reverberated throughout the city.
Medical personnel at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv relocated entire hospital units to underground levels.
“(Sheba) switched to advanced preparedness mode in preparation for the strike in Iran. We are in the process of moving all our departments and services into protected areas,” said Itai Pessach, the medical center’s director general.
At Tel Aviv’s shoreline, Maayan Eliasi, 43, described Israeli military action against Iran as essential “to establish that we are strong.”
“We are not scared, and we are here to protect our land.”
International leaders are voicing strong reactions following coordinated military operations by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday. The strikes have intensified Middle East tensions as President Donald Trump pledged to eliminate Tehran’s missile capabilities and block nuclear weapons development.
World leaders have responded with a mix of criticism and calls for de-escalation:
DMITRY MEDVEDEV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF RUSSIA’S SECURITY COUNCIL
“The peacemaker once again showed his face,” Medvedev, a former Russian president, said. “All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. No one doubted it. No one really wanted to negotiate anything.”
“The question is who has more patience to wait for the inglorious end of their enemy. The USA is only 249 years old. The Persian Empire was founded more than 2,500 years ago. Let’s see in 100 years…”
LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER NAWAF SALAM
“I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.”
NORWEGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ESPEN BARTH EIDE
“The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
The French leader has requested an emergency United Nations Security Council session, warning that military conflict between the US, Israel and Iran poses “serious consequences” for global peace and stability.
“The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop. The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good-faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its actions to destabilise the region,” Macron said on X.
“This is absolutely essential for the security of everyone in the Middle East.”
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ
“We demand immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law,” Sanchez said in a statement posted on social media platform X.
UKRAINE’S FOREIGN MINISTRY
“The cause of the current events is precisely the violence and impunity of the Iranian regime, in particular the killings and repression of peaceful protesters, which have become particularly widespread in recent months,” the foreign ministry said.
Russia’s state nuclear energy company has withdrawn nearly 100 personnel from Iran following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Saturday, according to company officials.
Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear corporation, confirmed through CEO Alexei Likhachev that 94 individuals were removed from the country, including all employees’ children, workers deemed non-critical, and any staff members who requested to leave.
Despite the evacuations, Russian workers continue to operate Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility, which remains staffed and functional.
“We are constantly monitoring the situation and assessing the risks. If necessary, additional measures will be taken in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety of our employees,” Likhachev stated.
The CEO emphasized that nuclear installations “should not be targeted under any circumstances,” though he declined to elaborate on specific conditions at the Bushehr site.
The Bushehr facility represents Iran’s sole functioning nuclear power station and was constructed by Russian engineers. Russian technical staff maintain an ongoing presence at the location to support operations.
Saturday’s military actions by the U.S. and Israel targeted Iranian leadership, escalating tensions and creating a new flashpoint in the already volatile Middle East region.
PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron is demanding an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council following Saturday’s military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, warning that the conflict could have “serious consequences” for global peace and stability.
The French leader conducted phone conversations with officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, and the president of Kurdistan’s autonomous region, according to his office.
Writing on X, Macron indicated France stands prepared to provide necessary resources to protect its closest allies if requested.
“The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop. The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good-faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its actions to destabilize the region,” Macron stated.
“This is absolutely essential for the security of everyone in the Middle East,” he continued.
“The Iranian people must also be able to build their future freely. The massacres perpetrated by the Islamic regime discredit it and necessitate that the people be given a voice. The sooner the better.”
Saturday’s coordinated strikes by Washington and Israel have thrust the Middle East into fresh conflict, with President Donald Trump describing the action as necessary to eliminate security threats to America while potentially giving Iranian citizens an opportunity to overthrow their government.
A deadly missile strike from Iran claimed four lives and injured multiple others when it hit a residential structure in Sweida, a city in southern Syria, on Saturday, according to Syria’s official news agency SANA.
Witnesses and local residents’ video footage showed additional missile fragments scattered across Quneitra city and the Yarmouk Basin area within Daraa province in Syria’s southern region.
Military aircraft could be heard flying overhead throughout Saturday across Syrian airspace, following public announcements by the United States and Israel regarding military actions targeting Iran.
Two eyewitnesses, including a Reuters correspondent, reported observing numerous defensive missiles streaking through the sky above Damascus.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary road closure on eastbound College Road today due to ongoing construction work.
The affected stretch runs from Kenton Road to Oakmount Drive, with the shutdown scheduled to last until 3 p.m. this afternoon.
Motorists traveling in the area should plan alternate routes and expect potential delays during the closure period. DelDOT has not provided additional details about the specific nature of the construction work being performed.
Moscow’s Foreign Ministry issued sharp criticism Saturday regarding joint military operations by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, characterizing the actions as “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state.” The Russian government is calling for an immediate end to the military operations and a shift toward diplomatic solutions.
Through a Telegram post, the ministry alleged that Washington and Tel Aviv are using Iran’s nuclear program as cover for their true objective of changing the Iranian government.
Russian officials expressed alarm that these military actions could spark a “humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe” throughout the region, claiming the U.S. and Israel are pushing “the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation.”
The Kremlin specifically criticized strikes against nuclear installations that fall under International Atomic Energy Agency oversight, calling such attacks “unacceptable.” Russia offered to facilitate peaceful negotiations while assigning complete blame for the current tensions to the United States and Israel.
“Responsibility for the negative consequences of this manmade crisis, including an unpredictable chain reaction and spiraling violence, lies entirely with them,” the statement said.
Moscow also denounced what it described as “the serial nature of destabilizing attacks carried out by the U.S. administration,” claiming America is undermining “the international legal pillars of the world order.”
For years, Russia has carefully managed its Middle Eastern relationships, working to preserve positive ties with Israel while simultaneously building stronger economic and defense partnerships with Iran.
Just last week, Iranian military units and Russian naval personnel participated in joint training exercises in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean waters designed to improve “operational coordination as well as exchange of military experiences,” according to Iran’s official IRNA news service.
Political analysts in Moscow suggest that heightened tensions between Israel and Iran might shift international focus away from the Ukraine conflict, potentially benefiting Russia by reducing Western backing for Kyiv.
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that American and Israeli forces conducted extensive military strikes against Iran, describing the operation as aimed at dismantling the nation’s military infrastructure and preventing nuclear weapons development.
Tehran’s Foreign Ministry vowed to protect Iranian territory while the Revolutionary Guard launched retaliatory strikes, sending drones and missiles toward Israeli targets and attacking American military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
The military action followed Trump’s ongoing pressure campaign for nuclear negotiations with Tehran, which included positioning a significant naval presence in the region amid Iran’s internal unrest from widespread demonstrations.
Iranian state media outlet IRNA reported that Israeli-American strikes killed at least 40 individuals at a girls’ educational facility in southern Iran. Additionally, debris from an Iranian missile strike in the United Arab Emirates capital resulted in one fatality, according to state reports.
Israeli officials confirmed their participation in the Iranian operation after Saturday morning explosions echoed through Tehran. Initial strikes occurred near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s administrative offices, though his whereabouts remained unknown as he had not appeared publicly for several days.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the military action as necessary “to remove threats.” A briefing official, speaking anonymously about classified details, indicated that Iranian military installations, government symbols and intelligence facilities were primary targets.
Warning sirens activated throughout Israel to alert civilians about potential incoming missile threats.
Bahrain reported missile strikes directed at the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet command center on the island nation. Kuwait residents heard warning signals and explosions near U.S. Army Central facilities, while Qatar experienced blasts close to Al Udeid Air Base, which houses thousands of American personnel.
Both Iraq and the United Arab Emirates suspended air traffic operations, and Jordan activated emergency sirens.
Northern Israel sustained damage to residential buildings with debris scattered across multiple locations, media and law enforcement reported. However, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that Israel avoided major strikes, and emergency responders confirmed no injuries from the nationwide missile bombardment.
Iranian-supported Houthis in Yemen pledged to restart attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping and Israeli targets, two senior Houthi sources revealed anonymously due to the absence of official leadership statements.
Trump delayed his public confirmation of American participation in what he called “major combat operations” for more than an hour.
Through an 8-minute social media video, Trump explained that U.S. motivations extended well beyond nuclear concerns, citing complaints dating to Iran’s 1979 revolution that transformed the country from a key American Middle East partner into a primary adversary.
Trump advised Iranians to seek shelter but encouraged them to eventually overthrow their Islamic government.
“When we are finished, take over your government,” Trump said. “It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
The strikes occurred one day after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with stalled negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities.
Israeli officials stated they coordinated with American counterparts for months to develop the attack strategy.
Prior to Geneva-based U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks, America had positioned extensive air and naval forces regionally to pressure Iran toward nuclear agreements.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in January to strengthen regional naval presence. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, and four escort destroyers later departed the Caribbean for Middle East deployment and currently operate in Mediterranean waters.
This naval buildup added over 10,000 American military personnel to the region.
A congressional primary battle in North Carolina is providing insight into how the Democratic Party plans to position itself during the Trump administration.
The race features a showdown between incumbent Representative Valerie Foushee, who has served two terms in Congress, and Nida Allam, a progressive local government official. Their competition is taking place in a district considered a Democratic stronghold.
This primary contest illustrates the broader conversation happening within the Democratic Party as members debate the best strategy for moving forward in the current political climate. The matchup between an established congresswoman and a progressive challenger represents the different approaches party members are considering for the years ahead.
The outcome of this race could signal which direction North Carolina Democrats prefer as they work to define their party’s identity and priorities going forward.
International air travel came to a standstill across the Middle East on Saturday as major airlines grounded flights following military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, creating a fresh regional crisis.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed completely vacant airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Bahrain and Jordan during early Saturday hours. European aviation authorities advised their carriers to avoid the affected regions during the military operations.
Here’s how individual airlines responded to the crisis:
Greece’s flagship carrier Aegean Airlines halted all service to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Erbil through March 2.
Air France grounded Saturday flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut, while its Dutch partner KLM moved up its previously announced suspension of Amsterdam-Tel Aviv service, originally set to begin Sunday.
British Airways, owned by ICAG, canceled Tel Aviv and Bahrain flights until March 3, plus Saturday’s Amman service.
Spanish carrier Iberia Express scrapped its 5 p.m. Saturday departure to Tel Aviv.
Japan Airlines eliminated Saturday’s Tokyo Haneda-Doha route and the March 1 return trip, according to Nikkei reports.
LOT Polish Airlines turned around flight LO121 en route from Warsaw to Dubai, returning to Warsaw.
German airline Lufthansa suspended Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman service through March 7, along with weekend Dubai flights. The carrier also banned flights through Israeli, Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi and Iranian airspace until March 7.
Norwegian Air grounded all Dubai routes until March 4, though a company representative noted their Tel Aviv and Beirut services only operate during summer months.
Scandinavian Airlines canceled Saturday’s Copenhagen-Tel Aviv flight, with future dates under review.
Turkish Airlines eliminated Saturday flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Oman, while suspending Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan service through March 2.
Virgin Atlantic began avoiding Iraqi airspace, forcing flight rerouting and canceling Saturday’s London Heathrow-Dubai service VS400.
Qatar Airways temporarily suspended Doha operations due to closed Qatari airspace.
Wizz Air immediately halted flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7, stating they would continue monitoring conditions for potential schedule changes.
The widespread disruptions highlight how quickly regional conflicts can paralyze international air travel, affecting thousands of passengers worldwide.
DUBAI – Widespread panic gripped Iran as a joint military operation by the United States and Israel sent civilians fleeing from major cities, with long lines forming at fuel stations as residents sought safety elsewhere, according to eyewitness accounts.
Blasts shook the Iranian capital of Tehran early Saturday, sending smoke plumes across the skyline as the nation began its work week. A Tehran resident told Reuters he was hurrying to collect his children from their school.
“We are scared, we are terrified. My children are shaking, we have nowhere to go, we will die here,” said Minou, a 32-year-old mother of two from the northern city of Tabriz, one of several locations where explosions occurred.
“What is going to happen to my children?” she asked while weeping during a phone conversation.
Iranian security officials warned that additional strikes were anticipated in Tehran and other urban centers, advising citizens to “travel to other cities where possible so that you may remain safe from the harm of these two regimes’ acts of aggression.” Educational institutions at all levels were ordered closed indefinitely.
The military action represents another crisis for Iranian citizens, occurring just weeks following a deadly government suppression of nationwide protests, and eight months after a previous 12-day conflict with Israel that included U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.
President Donald Trump characterized the mission as necessary to eliminate threats to American security while providing Iranians an opportunity to overthrow their government. Military officials designated the American portion of the strikes as “OPERATION EPIC FURY.”
One Iranian citizen from Yazd in the country’s central region expressed hope that the assault might bring down the religious leadership that has governed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. “Let them bomb,” the Yazd resident stated.
However, Samira Mohebbi from the northern coastal city of Rasht offered a different perspective.
“I am against this regime, to hell with them. But I don’t want my country to be attacked by foreign forces, I don’t want my Iran to turn into Iraq,” she explained, referencing the neighboring nation that endured years of violence and instability after the U.S.-led invasion removed Saddam Hussein.
Security personnel established roadblocks around Tehran’s government district, which houses the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the national legislature, witnesses reported.
The strikes followed unsuccessful nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva on Thursday, despite Omani intermediaries indicating some advancement in discussions.
“They said the nuclear talks are going well. They fooled us again,” a Tehran resident commented.
International authorities have long maintained suspicions that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons, allegations Tehran consistently rejects.
Citizens were observed rushing to purchase foreign currency, while some in Isfahan, another targeted area, reported being unable to access cash from automated banking machines.
Reza Saadati, 45, said he was relocating his family to Urumieh near the Turkish frontier. “If the border is open, we will cross and then fly to Istanbul,” he explained.
Mohammad Esmaili, 63, calling from Ilam approximately 500 kilometers from Tehran, announced plans to evacuate with his relatives. “God knows what will happen to us. Pray for us,” he pleaded.
A Tehran mother of three children expressed the widespread anxiety: “People are shocked, scared. What is going to happen to us? Save us please.”
Multiple Middle Eastern nations came under Iranian missile fire Saturday as Tehran followed through on promises to strike back against the United States and Israel, shattering the calm in a region known for its stability.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates reported through state media that one fatality occurred in Abu Dhabi, though additional details were not provided.
Military forces in Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan—all nations hosting American military installations—successfully shot down the incoming Iranian projectiles.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared: “All occupied territories and the criminal U.S. bases in the region have been struck by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles. This operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated.”
Bahrain verified that an assault occurred within its borders, with a U.S. Fifth Fleet service facility taking a direct hit. Reuters footage captured thick gray smoke billowing near the island nation’s shoreline while emergency sirens echoed across the area.
Residents throughout Abu Dhabi reported hearing thunderous explosions, according to five eyewitnesses including Reuters journalists. Local authorities sent emergency alerts to cell phones instructing people to find shelter in secure structures and avoid windows due to incoming missile dangers.
One local resident described hearing five rapid booms that shook windows in a residence near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche waterfront. Similar explosive sounds were reported by witnesses in the Al Dhafra and Bateen neighborhoods.
Military aircraft were observed patrolling the skies above Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island district Saturday afternoon.
Qatar’s defense forces announced they had neutralized Iranian missiles before they could reach the country’s borders through “joint coordination” efforts. Multiple waves of explosions echoed through Doha, the nation’s capital.
Following a shelter warning from the U.S. Embassy in Doha, many locals initially continued their weekend routines. Grocery stores remained busy, beach visitors headed to the coast, and a tourist-filled double-decker bus continued its route through the West Bay area.
However, after the government issued mobile phone alerts ordering people to shelter in place, street activity decreased noticeably and vehicle traffic became lighter.
Kuwait’s military confirmed it had neutralized missiles within the country’s airspace, while Jordanian forces reported downing two Iranian ballistic weapons.
International carriers halted flights throughout the Middle East region, with tracking data showing Iran’s airspace nearly completely vacant of aircraft.
The death of one of the world’s most wanted drug kingpins has failed to significantly impact his criminal organization’s vast operations on American soil, according to security officials from both the United States and Mexico.
Mexican special operations forces eliminated Nemesio Oseguera, better known as “El Mencho,” during a joint operation with U.S. support on February 22. The takedown marked the most significant cartel leader capture in over ten years.
Following their leader’s death, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel unleashed widespread violence across Mexico, setting fires to buildings and blocking major roadways in a show of force that made international headlines.
However, law enforcement sources indicate the cartel’s sophisticated American operations remain largely untouched. These networks facilitate the acquisition of military weapons, enable multi-billion dollar fuel trafficking schemes, and launder enormous amounts of criminal proceeds.
“The United States has become increasingly important to cartels, especially the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, for it to thrive,” stated Alamdar Hamdani, who previously served as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas.
White House representative Anna Kelly emphasized that the current administration “has worked closely with the Mexican government to stop the scourge of drugs and criminals entering our country,” crediting this partnership with the “elimination of infamous narcoterrorist ‘El Mencho.’”
“The president will continue to do everything in his power to keep America safe from these vicious criminals and the drugs they use to poison our country,” Kelly added.
The successful operation has intensified Mexican calls for increased U.S. action against cartel activities within American borders. Such enforcement actions carry significant risks for Mexico, as they often trigger violent retaliation in a nation where drug-related conflicts have claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s decision to intensify anti-cartel operations has prompted fresh demands for reciprocal U.S. efforts.
“The United States can’t turn a blind eye to Mexico’s demands any longer,” declared Mexican Congressman Alfonso Ramirez Cuellar, a key Sheinbaum supporter.
Cuellar emphasized the need for enhanced U.S. efforts targeting money laundering, fuel trafficking, and particularly weapons smuggling from America into Mexico.
“We can’t stop drug traffickers if the United States continues allowing them to strengthen their military capabilities,” he stated.
While the U.S. has pursued hundreds of cartel-related prosecutions domestically in recent years, the current administration redirected thousands of agents from drug, firearms, and money laundering investigations to immigration enforcement efforts last year.
Reuters previously documented a notable decline in drug conspiracy and money laundering charges filed in the past year.
“The Trump administration has predominantly focused on highly militarized actions against drugs abroad and has not paid similar attention to actions at home,” observed security analyst Vanda Felbab-Brown.
A Justice Department representative said the administration remains “acutely focused on securing the border, prosecuting violent traffickers, deporting any and all members of cartel networks and ensuring they are held accountable for their horrific crimes against the American people.”
The department highlighted several recent prosecutions targeting senior Jalisco cartel figures.
Roberto Velasco, Mexico’s Undersecretary for North America, confirmed his government has consistently prioritized arms trafficking concerns in bilateral discussions.
“While there has been some significant progress, we believe much more can be done to control this flow and to target the networks in the United States that facilitate it, empowering transnational criminal organizations,” Velasco explained.
Interviews with a dozen current and former officials from both countries, combined with analysis of court records from ten recent cartel cases, revealed extensive U.S.-based operations critical to the organization’s strength and profitability.
The investigation uncovered involvement by American businesses and professionals, including fuel traders, telecommunications retailers, and financial brokers, in cartel activities.
“There’s a lot of economic integration – both legal and illegal,” noted Alexia Bautista, a former Mexican diplomatic official.
During the raid that killed El Mencho at a mountain cabin where he awaited his girlfriend’s visit, cartel gunmen fought back using predominantly American weapons, according to Mexican Army chief Ricardo Trevilla.
Approximately 80% of the 23,000 weapons seized by Mexican authorities since Sheinbaum assumed office in late 2024 originated in the United States, Trevilla reported.
The Jalisco organization has demonstrated particular skill in acquiring heavy military equipment from gun retailers across America, law enforcement officials confirmed.
One weapons trafficking network supplied the cartel with firearms from over a dozen states, including .50 caliber rifles capable of downing aircraft and FN SCAR assault rifles designed for elite military units, according to investigative findings.
While such weapons can be legally purchased in America, they become contraband upon entering Mexico, which maintains strict firearms regulations.
“We complain about the Mexicans’ lack of effort to go after the drugs down there, but then why does the U.S. dismiss their argument that we could do better on the guns going southbound?” questioned Derek Maltz, former acting Drug Enforcement Administration chief.
“The U.S. has to step up in a lot of areas,” Maltz continued, citing needs for improved arms trafficking prosecutions and expanded public health programs addressing American drug demand.
Beyond traditional drug profits, cartels have constructed a massive cross-border petroleum empire worth billions of dollars in less than a decade.
The Jalisco cartel leads this enterprise, which relies on networks of American companies including refineries, fuel traders, transportation firms, and storage facilities, some operating with full knowledge of their criminal partnerships.
“This is no longer stealing fuel from (state energy company) Pemex,” explained Guadalupe Correa, a George Mason University professor studying cartel revenue diversification. “It’s a huge, transnational business.”
Authorities describe two primary smuggling methods: stolen Mexican crude oil sold to American companies, and legitimate U.S. fuel purchased through shell companies and smuggled into Mexico disguised as other products to evade taxes.
Sheinbaum confirmed last year that American business figures were involved in fuel smuggling investigations. “One cannot explain otherwise how fuel comes from the U.S. to Mexico, and enters illegally,” she stated.
In late 2024, El Mencho’s son-in-law Cristian Gutierrez Ochoa was apprehended at a $1.2 million residence in Riverside, California.
Court documents reveal Gutierrez, who pleaded guilty to international money laundering conspiracy charges in June 2025, purchased the five-bedroom home using drug money channeled through a Mexican shell company masquerading as a tequila business.
Property investment represents just one method the Jalisco cartel employs to legitimize its American profits.
Carlos Olivo, a former DEA agent who specialized in tracking the organization’s U.S. financial operations, said cartel money flows through restaurants, textile companies, entertainment businesses, agricultural enterprises, and even stock markets.
“In total, we’re talking about hundreds of millions in assets in cartel-related money in the United States,” Olivo stated.
A DEA spokesperson confirmed cartels utilize diverse money laundering techniques, “also use trade-based money laundering schemes, cryptocurrency, bulk cash, and Chinese underground banking systems to fund their operations.”
Alejandro Celorio, a former Mexican diplomat, expressed hope that Sheinbaum’s decision to target the country’s most powerful cartel leader would motivate increased U.S. domestic enforcement efforts.
“As the world’s leading commercial and military power, the U.S. could certainly investigate more deeply how money and drugs move within U.S. territory,” Celorio concluded.
Astronomers are scratching their heads over a colossal star that has done something never witnessed before in the cosmos.
The star, known as WOH G64, sits in the Large Magellanic Cloud – a neighboring galaxy to our own Milky Way. Scientists have been watching this stellar giant for more than 30 years, and what they’ve seen has left them puzzled.
In 2014, researchers noticed something extraordinary: the star suddenly shifted from red to yellow, indicating its surface temperature had increased. This transformation happened without any explosive event or eruption that scientists would typically expect.
“Typically the evolution of a star takes place on timescales of billions of years. On human timescales, we only observe more abrupt and violent events, such as eruptions, the merger of two stars or their explosive deaths,” explained astronomer Gonzalo Muñoz-Sanchez, who led the research published in Nature Astronomy.
The star had previously been categorized as an extreme red supergiant but quickly transformed into what scientists call a yellow hypergiant – a change that happened rapidly by cosmic standards.
“No current stellar models can fully explain this transformation” in WOH G64, Muñoz-Sanchez noted. He conducted the study while working at the National Observatory of Athens.
To put this star’s immense size in perspective, WOH G64 weighs 28 times more than our sun and shines 300,000 times brighter. Its diameter stretches 1,500 times wider than the sun. If this giant replaced our sun, its outer edge would reach somewhere between Jupiter and Saturn’s orbital paths. Even traveling at light speed, it would take six hours to go around the star’s perimeter.
At roughly 10 million years old, WOH G64 is approaching its final chapter. By comparison, our sun has been burning for 4.5 billion years and has another 5 billion years ahead of it. The massive star lies approximately 160,000 light-years away from Earth.
“WOH G64 is a massive star and very different from the sun,” Muñoz-Sanchez emphasized.
Scientists understand that stars weighing between eight and 23 times our sun’s mass typically become red supergiants before exploding as supernovas. However, the destiny of stars in the 23 to 30 solar mass range remains uncertain. They might explode as supernovas, collapse directly into black holes, or transition from red supergiants to yellow hypergiants before their demise.
“Hence, WOH G64 might be the solution to this question,” Muñoz-Sanchez suggested.
The mystery deepens further because observations reveal WOH G64 is gravitationally linked to another star in what astronomers call a binary system. Researchers couldn’t determine the companion star’s size or properties, but they believe the two might eventually merge.
Scientists have developed theories about WOH G64’s recent changes. One possibility is that the star experienced a violent episode before their observations began, which turned it red, and it’s now returning to its normal yellow state. Another theory suggests that interactions between WOH G64 and its companion temporarily made it appear like a red supergiant.
“As astronomers continue to monitor this remarkable system, WOH G64 is poised to reshape our understanding of how the most massive stars live and die,” Muñoz-Sanchez concluded.
MOSCOW – Russian aviation authorities announced Saturday that all domestic airlines have halted service to Iran and Israel as military tensions escalate across the Middle East region.
The flight suspensions come after Israel conducted what it described as a preemptive strike against Iran on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities and dealing another blow to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Iran’s nuclear standoff with Western nations.
According to Russia’s Transport Ministry, the decision was made after both Iranian and Israeli authorities shut down their respective airspace. Working alongside the federal aviation regulator Rosaviatsiya, Russian carriers had already developed backup flight paths to maintain service to Persian Gulf destinations while ensuring passenger safety.
Officials warned that travel times to the region will be extended due to the necessity of using longer routing around the affected areas.
The aviation crisis expanded later Saturday when Rosaviatsiya issued additional guidance after Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait also sealed off their airspace as a safety precaution. The United Arab Emirates has implemented temporary flight restrictions as well.
Russian aviation regulators are now directing airlines to utilize alternative flight corridors when traveling to Persian Gulf nations, emphasizing strict adherence to safety protocols while closely monitoring updates from international aviation authorities.
European officials are working frantically to ensure their citizens’ safety in the Middle East and determine their response after the United States and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against Iran on Saturday.
Germany has scheduled an emergency session for Saturday to address the Iranian situation, while the European Union has begun evacuating certain personnel from the region.
The coordinated assault by the US and Israel targeted multiple locations throughout Iran, with President Donald Trump making an unprecedented call for Iranian citizens to “take over your government” — a remarkable statement suggesting efforts to topple the nation’s religious government following decades of conflict.
It remains uncertain whether America’s European partners received advance notification of the military action. German officials stated they were only briefed about the strikes on Saturday morning, while France’s deputy defense minister indicated they anticipated something would occur but lacked specific timing.
In response to the military action, the EU’s chief diplomat characterized the Middle Eastern conflict as “perilous” and announced her efforts with Israeli and Arab leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions.
“Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” stated Kaja Kallas, the 27-nation bloc’s foreign policy leader, through social media.
“The EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths.”
Kallas confirmed the EU was removing some regional personnel while maintaining its naval operations in the Red Sea. The European Union recently imposed additional sanctions on Iran and key officials, which led Tehran to respond with counter-sanctions.
German authorities announced they were tracking developments in Iran, Israel and throughout the Middle East after receiving notification of the Israeli operations Saturday morning. Germany’s crisis response team is set to convene at noon to evaluate the Iranian situation.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz was already in discussions with security ministers and European counterparts.
German officials advised their citizens in Iran, Israel, and surrounding areas to register through the official overseas citizen system and comply with local authority guidance for personal safety measures.
France, which maintains military installations and regular operations in the Middle East, is advising French nationals in the region to use extreme care.
“A military escalation is underway. … It’s not the time for negotiations, we are in a situation of war,” deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo stated on France-2 television Saturday, drawing parallels to events from last June.
“Our priority is the protection of our citizens and protection of our forces in the region,” she explained.
When questioned about French military participation in the US-Israeli operations or whether they faced retaliatory attacks, French military spokesman Col. Guillaume Vernet said Saturday: “The French armed forces continuously adapt their posture to threats and implement measures to ensure the surveillance and protection of military installations where French soldiers are deployed.”
He declined to provide additional details.
“Our military presence guarantees France’s independent assessment of the situation,” he informed the AP.
Italian leadership advised its citizens to use maximum caution and follow embassy guidance throughout the region. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office announced she would contact regional allies and leaders in the coming hours to “support any initiative that may lead to a de-escalation of tensions.”
“Italy reiterates its support to the Iranian civilian population, who courageously continue to demand respect for their civil and political rights,” Meloni’s office stated.
Switzerland demanded complete adherence to international law and called on “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
NEW YORK — Two decades ago, a young entrepreneur named David Ellison launched his entertainment company with a World War I aviation film that featured himself in a leading role and heavy special effects.
The movie crashed and burned at theaters.
Fast-forward twenty years, and that same studio chief who was once dismissed as just another wealthy heir playing in Hollywood is now positioned to control one of the entertainment industry’s biggest names. Ellison’s Skydance Productions, after successfully merging with Paramount, has emerged victorious in the battle to acquire the massive Warner Bros. Discovery.
“It’s only a surprise to those who haven’t been paying attention to the long game,” said Walter Nicoletti, who founded film production company Voce Spettacolo. He pointed to Skydance’s strategy of backing successful films and building partnerships with major industry players. “This is a sort of a silent takeover. Skydance didn’t start as a predator. It started as an essential partner.”
Back in 2006, when David Ellison — son of Oracle Corporation co-founder Larry Ellison — established Skydance at age 23, the company barely registered as a footnote in an industry accustomed to wealthy outsiders attempting to break into Hollywood’s inner circle.
The company’s first major release, “Flyboys,” failed to make any significant impact on the industry.
Critics savaged the film. The Seattle Times called it “cloyingly formulaic,” while The Washington Post dismissed it as an “inflated wannabe epic.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote “It’s hard not to giggle.”
Renowned critic Richard Roeper joined the chorus of negative reviews and questioned the filmmakers’ judgment.
“Why make such a corny and incredibly predictable film?” he asked in his review.
Despite the setback, Ellison persevered. Over the following years, while more failures occurred, he gradually accumulated victories as well. He formed alliances with entertainment giants like Paramount, Netflix and Apple, producing a series of successful films that generated hundreds of millions in revenue. He attracted top talent and significant investment. His studio even achieved the rare milestone of crossing $1 billion in earnings with 2022’s massive hit “Top Gun: Maverick,” starring his company’s most dependable performer, Tom Cruise.
Jason Squire, a former studio executive and emeritus professor at the University of Southern California who hosts “The Movie Business Podcast,” opposes the deal that positions Skydance to control Warner Bros., believing such consolidation reduces competition and damages the industry. However, he acknowledges his amazement at Ellison’s transformation from someone who was “not high on the radar” in Hollywood to reaching the industry’s summit.
“One of the traditions of entering the movie business is serious wealth, or access to serious wealth. But once you get a foothold, you have to demonstrate that wealth — by buying things, acquiring projects,” Squire explained. “They became a player.”
While money alone didn’t guarantee Ellison’s success, Squire noted, it certainly provided crucial assistance.
“He became a member at the table when these partnerships and the infusion of dollars really set him up on a really strong trajectory,” he said. “It’s quite amazing.”
Eventually, the “Flyboys” disaster faded from people’s memories regarding Skydance. Despite some setbacks, including a failed “Terminator” franchise reboot, a series of “Mission: Impossible” movies consistently showcased Cruise and drew audiences to theaters. Successful projects like “Grace and Frankie” on Netflix provided the company access to streaming television.
A series of victories led to speculation about which major corporation might acquire Skydance.
Instead, Skydance became the acquirer.
Following years of collaboration with Paramount, the companies combined last year, and subsequently, Ellison embarked on an aggressive acquisition campaign, announcing deals ranging from Ultimate Fighting Championship streaming rights to an agreement with the “Stranger Things” creators, whom he recruited away from Netflix.
Meanwhile, although the much larger Netflix appeared likely to acquire Warner Bros., Ellison’s Skydance persistently pursued its competing bid. On Thursday, Skydance prevailed. Netflix withdrew its offer, leaving regulatory approval as the only remaining obstacle for Skydance.
“This was absolutely a meteoric rise. Two decades from its formation to its current position to become one of the most powerful media companies in the world is nothing less than incredible,” said Tre Lovell, a Los Angeles media law and entertainment attorney. “What Skydance has done over the past two decades has not been accomplished by any other media company in history.”
The Paramount merger brought Skydance control of MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and numerous other networks, including flagship CBS, where the leadership change has created upheaval in the news department. Should the Warner transaction complete, Ellison would oversee a vast media empire encompassing HBO, HGTV, the Food Network, and significant news expansion through CNN — a development that concerns some employees given the family’s perceived alliance with President Donald Trump.
The deal would also provide Paramount, which has struggled recently in theaters, with a studio fresh off an exceptional year. Warner Bros. earned 30 Oscar nominations compared to Paramount’s zero, and captured 21% of domestic box office revenue in 2025. Paramount’s market share stood at merely 6%.
All of this could soon belong to Ellison. The contrast over two decades is remarkable.
The “Flyboys” failure left Ellison so devastated that he once revealed it caused atrial fibrillation requiring hospitalization. However, for someone from a family so wealthy that his father owns most of a Hawaiian island, and possessing what GQ magazine described as “the golden glow of the genetically sparkling,” his dramatic turnaround may not be entirely unexpected. In this comeback tale, Ellison seems perfectly cast for the role.
Ellison has achieved his greatest theatrical successes with recognizable properties from established franchises including “Transformers,” “Scream,” “Sonic the Hedgehog,” and “Paw Patrol.” His personal story of emerging as the unexpected winner may resonate with equally familiar themes.
“Hollywood has seen David-versus-Goliath moments before,” said Vikrant Mathur, co-founder of streaming company Future Today.
LONDON — Air travel throughout the Middle East and beyond faced major disruptions Saturday following a U.S. and Israeli military operation targeting Iran.
Several nations including the United Arab Emirates and Israel shut down their airspace on Saturday, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights. The UAE is headquarters to major international carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways.
Qatar Airways Group announced temporary flight cancellations to and from Doha after Qatari officials also closed their airspace. Aircraft already flying toward Israel were diverted to alternative airports, while travelers waiting at Ben Gurion International Airport were transported back after their departing flights were scrubbed.
Emirates reported that multiple flights were impacted by the UAE airspace shutdown and advised travelers to verify their flight status through online channels. The airline operates from Dubai International Airport, which serves as the world’s busiest international travel hub.
Earlier this week, Netherlands-based KLM had already declared it would halt Tel Aviv service beginning Sunday.
Virgin Atlantic scrapped its London Heathrow to Dubai route and announced it would steer clear of Iraqi airspace, potentially extending flight times for routes to India, the Maldives, Dubai and Riyadh. The carrier was already avoiding Iranian airspace and stated all aircraft would carry extra fuel for potential emergency rerouting.
On social media platform X, Turkish Airlines announced flight suspensions to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan through Monday, while Saturday service to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Oman was also halted. The carrier warned that more cancellations might follow.
ATHENS – The Greek shipping ministry issued an urgent safety warning Saturday, directing vessels flying the Greek flag to stay clear of critical Middle Eastern waterways following recent military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, according to an official advisory obtained by Reuters.
“The developing situation affects the safety of navigation in the wider Persian Gulf, the Straits of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the North Arabian Sea,” the official document stated, instructing vessel management companies to enforce maximum security protocols in these regions and at Israeli ports until additional guidance is provided.
The ministry’s warning also expressed concern that tensions could expand into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden areas due to connections between Iran and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group.
Ships operating in these waters were specifically cautioned to watch for possible missile or drone assaults, attacks targeting port infrastructure, hostile interference, electronic jamming, and potential disruptions to onboard navigation equipment.
WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, General Dan Caine, are overseeing American military operations against Iran while based at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
The Pentagon leader and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are directing the U.S. mission from the Palm Beach resort, where Trump is presently staying, the source confirmed to Reuters on Friday.
LONDON – The United Kingdom declared Saturday that Iran cannot be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons and expressed readiness to protect its interests after military strikes were carried out by the United States and Israel targeting Iran.
According to government sources, Britain did not participate in the military action, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer was scheduled to convene an emergency COBRA meeting on Saturday to address the situation.
“Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution,” a British government spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson further explained, “As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.”
British officials emphasized their desire to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader regional conflict, according to the spokesperson’s remarks.
The government indicated that protecting British citizens in the area remains their top concern, with consular services being made available as needed.
Travel advisories were also updated Saturday, with Britain now recommending against all travel to Israel and Palestinian territories, strengthening their previous Friday guidance that had only discouraged non-essential travel to those areas.
Recent satellite imagery has revealed a notable increase in American military aircraft stationed at a key Saudi Arabian airbase as the United States continues building its regional presence while tensions with Iran remain high.
Analysis of high-resolution satellite photos shows that aircraft numbers at Prince Sultan Airbase climbed from 27 planes on February 17 to 43 aircraft by February 21, before declining to 38 by February 25. The Saudi facility has served as a host location for U.S. military operations for many years.
According to William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst with Contested Ground who spoke to Reuters, the February 21 satellite image captured 13 Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers and six Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft, commonly called AWACS, among 29 total large, swept-wing military planes positioned at the installation.
The earlier February 17 image showed just 11 large, swept-wing aircraft based on analysis conducted by Reuters.
Pentagon officials declined to provide any statement regarding the apparent aircraft buildup, which aligns with standard military policy of not discussing troop or equipment movements publicly. Saudi government representatives also did not respond to requests for comment about the increased activity at the base.
This military positioning occurs as Saudi Arabia, a key American partner in the region, publicly stated last month that it would not permit its territory or airspace to support any military operations targeting Iran. The announcement came as Tehran engaged in indirect diplomatic discussions with Washington on Thursday concerning its nuclear program.
Oman, which has been facilitating communications between the United States and Iran, reported that Thursday’s negotiations showed progress, though no major breakthrough emerged that might prevent potential American military action.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi announced Thursday that both nations plan to continue talks following consultations in their respective capitals, with technical discussions set for next week in Vienna.
President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum on February 19, stating Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement, warning that “really bad things” would occur otherwise.
Satellite analysis comparing early February images with January photographs also indicates a broader military equipment and aircraft accumulation throughout the region.
Meanwhile, recent satellite surveillance has captured Iran conducting repairs and reinforcement work at various locations, including a sensitive military facility that Israel reportedly targeted in a 2024 bombing operation.
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump is planning to deliver a public statement Saturday morning while American forces conduct military operations against Iran, according to a report from Axios.
The news outlet cited an unnamed government official as the source for information about Trump’s planned remarks. The timing of the address coincides with ongoing U.S. military strikes taking place in Iranian territory.
When contacted for verification, White House officials did not immediately provide a response to requests for comment about the reported address.
President Donald Trump has declared the launch of significant military combat operations targeting Iran, as explosions rock the Iranian capital and warning sirens blare across Israel.
Coordinated military strikes involving both Israeli and United States forces have begun hitting targets in Iran, with reports of explosions being heard in Tehran on Saturday. Simultaneously, air raid warning systems have been activated throughout Israel as the situation escalates.
The military action represents a major escalation in tensions between the involved nations, with smoke visible rising above Tehran’s skyline following the reported strikes.
Details about the specific targets and scope of the operations remain limited as the situation continues to develop.
International airlines halted service throughout the Middle East on Saturday following military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran that have thrust the region back into armed conflict.
Aviation tracking data revealed Iranian airspace nearly deserted as Israeli forces conducted operations against Iran while U.S. military forces launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. Iran responded by firing multiple missiles in retaliation.
The military escalation has dashed expectations for peaceful negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program disagreement with Western nations and renewed hostilities following recent weeks of American military positioning in the area.
This represents another major disruption to air transportation in the typically high-traffic region as Middle Eastern tensions continue rising. Given that most airlines cannot use Russian and Ukrainian airspace due to ongoing warfare, Middle Eastern routes have gained critical importance for connecting European and Asian destinations.
War zones present growing challenges for airline operations as aerial combat increases risks of accidental or intentional attacks on civilian aircraft. Extended flight paths also consume additional fuel, driving up operational expenses.
Following the attacks, Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan shut down their airspace, with flight tracking websites showing aircraft steering clear of these territories.
Multiple Qatar Airways aircraft that departed Saturday morning made circles over Kuwait and Saudi Arabia before heading back toward Qatari airspace, where they remained in holding patterns near Doha, flight tracking data showed.
Russian transportation officials announced Saturday that Russian airlines had ceased operations to both Iran and Israel.
German carrier Lufthansa announced it would cancel Dubai flights Saturday and Sunday while temporarily stopping service to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman through March 7. Air France eliminated flights serving Tel Aviv and Beirut.
Spanish airline Iberia also scrapped Tel Aviv service, while Wizz Air immediately suspended operations to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until the same March 7 date.
Kuwait’s aviation regulators announced all Iran flights would cease indefinitely, state media reported, while Oman Air halted Baghdad service due to regional developments.
The United Arab Emirates implemented a “partial and temporary” airspace closure as a safety measure, according to state news sources.
“Due to the temporary closure of several airspace in the region on 28 February, some flydubai flights have been impacted,” an Emirati airline representative stated.
KLM, Air France-KLM’s Dutch division, moved up its planned suspension of Amsterdam-Tel Aviv service, canceling Saturday’s scheduled flight following the Iran strikes, a company spokesperson confirmed.
The carrier had previously announced Wednesday that flights would stop beginning Sunday, March 1, with only Saturday’s single Tel Aviv flight originally remaining on the schedule.
Virgin Atlantic decided to temporarily bypass Iraqi airspace, causing some flight path changes. Qatar Airways announced it had temporarily paused air traffic as a precautionary step.
International airlines scrambled to cancel dozens of flights throughout the Middle East on Saturday following military action by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, creating fresh turmoil across the volatile region.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that no commercial aircraft were operating over Iranian and Iraqi airspace Saturday morning as carriers prioritized safety amid the developing conflict.
Here’s how major airlines responded to the crisis:
Air France KLM
Air France grounded all Saturday departures and arrivals for Tel Aviv, Israel and Beirut, Lebanon routes.
KLM moved up its planned suspension of Amsterdam-Tel Aviv service, scrapping Saturday’s scheduled departure. The Dutch carrier had initially planned to halt the route beginning Sunday but accelerated the timeline due to deteriorating conditions. Only a single Tel Aviv flight had been on Saturday’s schedule.
IndiGo
The carrier stated it was closely tracking developments in the region.
Japan Airlines
According to Nikkei reports, Japan Airlines scrapped its Saturday Tokyo Haneda to Doha route along with the March 1 return journey.
Lufthansa
Germany’s flagship airline halted all service to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman through March 7, while Dubai flights were suspended for Saturday and Sunday only.
The carrier also announced it would avoid airspace belonging to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran until March 7.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic implemented temporary Iraqi airspace avoidance measures, forcing predetermined flight path changes and eliminating Saturday’s VS400 London Heathrow to Dubai service.
Wizz Air
The budget carrier immediately suspended all operations to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7.
Company officials indicated they would continuously evaluate operational choices and modify flight schedules based on how the situation develops.
Military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday have intensified tensions across the Middle East, with President Donald Trump pledging to eliminate Tehran’s missile capabilities and block its nuclear weapons development.
International leaders have issued varied responses to the weekend attacks:
DMITRY MEDVEDEV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF RUSSIA’S SECURITY COUNCIL
“The peacemaker once again showed his face,” Medvedev, a former Russian president, said. “All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. No one doubted it. No one really wanted to negotiate anything.”
“The question is who has more patience to wait for the inglorious end of their enemy. The USA is only 249 years old. The Persian Empire was founded more than 2,500 years ago. Let’s see in 100 years…”
LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER NAWAF SALAM
“I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.”
NORWEGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ESPEN BARTH EIDE
“The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat.”
Weather officials from the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly, New Jersey office have issued a special weather statement for the Delaware region early Thursday morning.
The weather advisory was released at 4:17 AM Eastern Standard Time on February 28th, according to official records.
Residents across the First State should stay alert for potential weather developments and monitor local forecasts for any updates or changes to conditions.
The National Weather Service continues to track weather patterns affecting the mid-Atlantic region and will provide additional information as conditions warrant.
Former President Donald Trump announced in an 8-minute video posted to his Truth Social platform that American military forces have initiated significant combat operations against Iran. Trump stated the action targets Iran’s ongoing nuclear weapons development and urged Iranian citizens to “take over your government.”
The following is Trump’s complete statement:
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”
“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime’s very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran’s proxies carried out the marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.”
“In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S. naval and commercial vessels and international shipping lines. It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer.”
“From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts. And it was Iran’s proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before.”
“Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror, and just recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested. It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon. That is why in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime’s nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. Again they wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. They didn’t know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades.”
“They’ve rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had, and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.”
“For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy. We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.”
“This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration and there is no military on earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. My administration is taking every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission. We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm’s way. And we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail. We have the greatest in the world, and they will prevail.”
“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
“For many years, you have asked for America’s help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”
“May God bless the brave men and women of America’s armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder mounted an impressive comeback from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime action Friday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made his presence felt immediately upon returning from an abdominal strain that had sidelined him since February 3rd, contributing 36 points to help Oklahoma City erase their early deficit. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren dominated the boards with a personal-best 21 rebounds while adding 15 points to the winning effort.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander sitting out the extra period, the Thunder found success through Alex Caruso, who built on his strong late-game performance to finish with 12 points overall.
Denver’s Jamal Murray put together a spectacular offensive display with 39 points, including three long-range shots in the game’s final 30 seconds. Nikola Jokic nearly recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists, while Christian Braun matched Jokic’s scoring output with 23 points.
Pistons 122, Cavaliers 119 (OT)
Detroit’s Jalen Duren delivered a dominant performance with 33 points and 16 rebounds, leading the home team back from a nine-point late-regulation deficit to capture an overtime victory against Cleveland.
Cade Cunningham contributed 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists before fouling out during regulation for Detroit, which has now captured seven victories in their last eight contests. Ausar Thompson provided additional support with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Cleveland was paced by Jarrett Allen’s 25 points and nine rebounds, but the Cavaliers have now dropped three of their past four games. The team played shorthanded without their regular starting backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell (groin injury) and James Harden (thumb injury).
Celtics 148, Nets 111
Boston dominated the second half to cruise past visiting Brooklyn, with Nikola Vucevic recording 28 points and 11 rebounds in just 25 minutes of action.
After holding just a six-point advantage midway through the third quarter, the Celtics exploded for an 82-54 second-half scoring advantage. Jaylen Brown contributed 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists for Boston, which connected on 66.7% of their field goal attempts while securing their 10th victory in 12 outings.
Brooklyn was led by Michael Porter Jr.’s 18 points, with Danny Wolf adding 16 points as the Nets extended their losing streak to seven games.
Grizzlies 124, Mavericks 105
Memphis received 25 points from Cam Spencer and a career-high performance from Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who recorded his first professional double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, as the visiting Grizzlies handed Dallas their seventh consecutive home defeat.
Scotty Pippen Jr. provided 15 points for Memphis, which ended a three-game skid. GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells each scored 12 points in the victory.
Dallas received 16 points and eight rebounds from Brandon Williams, but the Mavericks have now lost 12 of their previous 14 contests. Daniel Gafford was efficient with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting.
Knicks 127, Bucks 98
Jalen Brunson exploded for 22 first-quarter points on his way to a game-high 27, powering visiting New York to a convincing win over Milwaukee.
OG Anunoby contributed 24 points while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds for New York, which shot an impressive 21-for-42 (50%) from three-point range. Landry Shamet scored 15 points, Josh Hart added 12, and Mikal Bridges and Mohamed Diawara each contributed 10 points.
Milwaukee was led by Myles Turner’s 19 points, with Kyle Kuzma adding 17 and Bobby Portis contributing 14. Ryan Rollins scored 13 points while Kevin Porter Jr. recorded 11 points and 10 assists for the Bucks, who had previously won eight of their last 10 games.
BEIRUT – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a firm warning Saturday, stating he will not tolerate anyone pulling his nation into military conflicts that could jeopardize the country’s stability and cohesion. The statement appeared to be directed at Hezbollah, the Iranian-supported militant organization operating within Lebanon.
Following military strikes conducted by Israel and the United States against Iran, Salam acknowledged the escalating tensions across the region and urged Lebanese citizens to prioritize their homeland above all else. He emphasized the need for wisdom and national loyalty during these turbulent times.
The Iran-backed Hezbollah organization has maintained an adversarial relationship with Israel since Iranian Revolutionary Guards established the group in 1982, engaging in multiple armed confrontations over the decades.
According to recent reports, Israeli officials have issued threats to Lebanon, warning of severe retaliation against civilian targets including airports if Hezbollah becomes involved in any potential conflict between the United States and Iran.
“I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity,” Salam declared in his official statement.
During the 2024 conflict, Israel inflicted significant damage on Hezbollah’s operations, eliminating leader Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of militants while destroying substantial portions of the group’s weapons stockpile.
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that America has launched significant military action against Iran, cautioning that U.S. forces may face casualties during the operations.
The military strikes target Iranian missile installations and aim to eliminate the country’s naval capabilities, according to Trump’s statement. These actions come after ongoing threats from both the United States and Israel to take military action if Iran continued advancing its nuclear weapons development and ballistic missile capabilities.
In a video posted to Truth Social, Trump stated: “I do not make this statement lightly. The Iranian regime seeks to kill.”
He continued: “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties that often happens in war, but we’re doing this, not for now. We’re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission.”
Trump directly addressed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard forces, urging them to surrender their arms in exchange for protection from prosecution.
Without surrender, Trump indicated their alternative would be “certain death.”
Recent diplomatic efforts between the two nations regarding Iran’s nuclear program concluded unsuccessfully. The latest round of negotiations took place Thursday without reaching any agreement.
“Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades. They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” Trump explained.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, dropping the limit to 55 miles per hour due to current weather conditions affecting the area.
The speed restriction has been put in place as a precautionary safety measure to help protect motorists navigating the highway during adverse weather. DelDOT regularly adjusts speed limits on major roadways when weather conditions pose potential hazards to drivers.
Motorists traveling on I-495 are advised to observe the reduced speed limit and exercise additional caution while driving. The temporary speed reduction will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and normal highway speeds can be safely restored.
Pakistani military forces have launched extensive cross-border operations into Afghanistan, with officials claiming more than 300 Afghan troops have been killed in ongoing strikes that began Thursday evening.
The escalating conflict erupted when Afghan forces initiated attacks following Pakistani military operations that targeted seven training facilities and strongholds belonging to the banned Pakistani Taliban group, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. This organization operates separately from but maintains close ties with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that 331 Afghan Taliban fighters have died with more than 500 injured during the continued military operations. He stated that Pakistani forces have eliminated 102 Afghan military positions, seized control of 22 additional sites, and destroyed 163 tanks and armored vehicles across 37 different locations.
Saturday saw Pakistani air forces conducting targeted operations against strategic military facilities throughout eastern Afghanistan, according to state media reports.
The violence has forced hundreds of civilians living near the northwestern Torkham border checkpoint to evacuate to secure areas. Pakistani authorities have also relocated dozens of Afghan refugees who had been waiting at Torkham to return home.
Afghan officials have not yet responded to Pakistan’s Saturday casualty claims.
Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry announced Saturday that their forces attacked Pakistani military installations in Miranshah and Spin Wam during overnight operations, claiming to have destroyed military facilities and inflicted significant casualties in retaliation for Pakistan’s ongoing aerial bombardment.
Eastern Afghanistan’s Department of Information and Culture has accused Pakistan of striking civilian neighborhoods, demolishing homes and causing at least 11 deaths. Pakistani officials maintain they are exclusively targeting military sites to prevent civilian harm and have not immediately addressed these allegations.
Afghan border commissioner Mullah Taj Mohammad Naqshbandi stated Saturday that “brave forces of the Islamic Emirate destroyed the Pakistani military regime’s commissariat, military units, and three important security towers.”
Friday saw Afghan government officials claim 55 Pakistani soldiers died in their counterattacks while asserting their own losses were significantly lower than Pakistani estimates.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid declared Friday that their strikes against Pakistani military targets served “a message that our hands can reach their throats and that we will respond to every evil act of Pakistan.” He criticized Pakistan, saying “Pakistan has never sought to resolve problems through dialogue.”
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif responded on social media platform X the same day: “Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us.” Pakistan consistently accuses Kabul of providing sanctuary to the TTP, charges both the militant group and Afghanistan’s Taliban government reject.
Pakistani army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated Friday that Afghanistan’s government faces a simple decision: “either choose TTP or Pakistan.”
Afghan refugee Ejaz Ul Haq, stranded with his family near the Torkham crossing, explained he cannot return to Afghanistan due to the fighting. He noted many others are struggling to find food during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Pakistani villager Guftar, residing near Torkham, called on both governments to establish a ceasefire, emphasizing that ordinary citizens are suffering the most from this conflict.
Border tensions have remained elevated since October, when dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants died in similar clashes. A Qatar-brokered ceasefire stopped that intense fighting, but multiple peace negotiations in Turkey during November failed to create a permanent resolution. While both sides occasionally exchanged fire afterward, the ceasefire remained mostly intact until last week’s Pakistani strikes on alleged TTP hideouts.
Multiple nations including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, China and others are now working to reduce tensions through diplomatic mediation efforts.
Qatar’s state minister Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi conducted discussions Friday with foreign ministers from both Afghanistan and Pakistan in an attempt to calm the situation, according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry social media announcement.
Photographic documentation reveals that American and Israeli military forces carried out a strike against Iran on Saturday.
The visual evidence has been assembled into a collection by Associated Press photography editors.
Military strikes commenced Saturday against Iran in a coordinated effort between America and Israel, with initial attacks reportedly occurring close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s headquarters.
Reports from Iranian outlets described strikes across the nation, with witnesses observing smoke billowing over Tehran.
In a social media video, President Donald Trump announced that America had initiated “major combat operations in Iran.” Trump stated Iran had continued advancing its nuclear capabilities while developing missiles capable of reaching American territory.
Saturday brought explosions throughout northern Israel as the nation worked to defend against incoming Iranian missiles following the joint assault on Iran.
The detonations occurred shortly after Israeli defense forces announced they would deploy air defense networks to counter Iranian retaliation.
Officials have not yet reported damage assessments or casualty figures from the continuing military action.
Israel activated nationwide alert systems Saturday following reports of Iranian missile launches directed at the country.
Israeli military commanders confirmed air defense networks would be engaged to protect the nation.
Trump recognized that military operations against Iran could result in American losses.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” Trump stated in his Saturday morning social media video. “That often happens in war.”
The video showed Trump wearing a white USA baseball cap, navy suit and white shirt without a tie. A dark blue backdrop was visible as the president made his war announcement from Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach, Florida residence and club.
Referencing June attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump said, “We warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons. And we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried.”
Trump continued that Iran “rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore.”
While Iran claims no uranium enrichment has occurred since June, the country has prevented international inspectors from accessing sites America bombed during the previous 12-day conflict.
Associated Press analysis of satellite imagery has revealed renewed activity at two targeted locations, indicating Iran may be evaluating and possibly salvaging materials from those facilities.
Although previous strikes against Iranian nuclear installations allegedly eliminated the country’s nuclear program, Trump claimed Iran “attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland.”
Trump described Saturday’s military action as part of “a massive and ongoing operation” designed to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground” while working to “annihilate their navy” and “ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces.”
Characterizing the Iranian strikes as “a noble mission,” Trump said military action was required due to Iran’s nuclear weapons development and missile programs threatening America.
Trump demanded Iranian leadership “lay down your arms” or “you will face certain death,” while urging Iranian citizens to “take over your government — it will be yours to take.”
Iraq’s Transportation Ministry announced Saturday that the nation’s airspace had been shut down following military strikes on neighboring Iran.
Ministry representative Mitham al-Safi informed state-controlled Iraqi News Agency that “the closure was preceded by the evacuation of all air traffic from Iraqi airspace.”
America has initiated “major combat operations in Iran,” President Trump confirmed through a Truth Social video post.
Trump stated the mission aims to protect America by “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
American forces are taking part in the strikes, according to a U.S. official and an operation source, both speaking anonymously regarding classified military activities. The complete scope of American participation remains unclear.
Two Tehran residents confirmed hearing strike sounds throughout the Iranian capital. A resident near Mehrabad airport described hearing “two heavy explosions” that rattled windows approximately thirty minutes earlier.
In central Tehran’s Vanak area, another resident reported sounds of “blasts and war” occurring nearly simultaneously.
Aircraft scheduled to land in Israel are being redirected to regional airports. Airport passengers awaiting departures are being transported back to various Israeli destinations.
A motor vehicle collision has prompted officials to shut down Laurel Road at the Curley Road intersection, according to Delaware Department of Transportation reports.
The roadway closure remains in effect as emergency responders and cleanup crews work at the crash site. Drivers are advised to find alternative routes to avoid delays.
DelDOT has not yet provided details about the severity of the accident or an estimated timeline for reopening the intersection.
Russian leadership is growing skeptical about continuing diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine through U.S. mediation unless Ukrainian officials indicate willingness to surrender land as part of any peace agreement, according to a Bloomberg News report published Saturday that cited sources with knowledge of the situation.
The news outlet indicated that diplomatic meetings planned for the coming week will be pivotal in establishing whether both nations can progress toward a comprehensive agreement to conclude the ongoing conflict.
Reuters noted it was unable to independently confirm the Bloomberg report’s claims.
Military tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point Saturday as Israel carried out a coordinated strike against Iran with United States backing, marking a dramatic escalation that could reshape regional dynamics.
According to two anonymous U.S. officials speaking to Reuters, American forces have begun conducting their own series of strikes on Iranian targets. The full extent of these air and naval operations remains unclear, while Iranian officials have vowed to respond with overwhelming force.
The coordinated assault has forced Iran’s top leadership into hiding, with sources confirming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been relocated from Tehran to an undisclosed secure facility.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz justified the military action, stating: “The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel.”
According to Israeli defense sources, this operation represents months of careful planning conducted in partnership with Washington, with the timing finalized several weeks before execution.
The attacks triggered immediate emergency responses across the region. Iranian media outlets reported hearing explosions throughout Tehran, while Israeli authorities activated warning sirens at approximately 8:15 a.m. local time as a precautionary measure against potential retaliatory strikes.
Israeli officials have implemented comprehensive security measures, shuttering educational institutions and most workplaces while maintaining operations only in critical sectors. The country has also imposed a complete ban on civilian air traffic and urged citizens to avoid all airports.
This military escalation comes despite renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran that began in February, aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear disagreement through peaceful negotiations rather than military confrontation.
However, Israel has maintained that any American agreement with Iran must require the complete dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, not merely halting uranium enrichment activities. Israeli officials have also pushed for including Iran’s missile development program in any negotiated settlement.
Iran has indicated willingness to discuss limitations on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, but has refused to tie missile program restrictions to nuclear negotiations.
Tehran has also issued stark warnings that it will defend itself against any aggression and has specifically threatened to target American military installations in neighboring countries if Washington proceeds with attacks.
This current conflict follows a 12-day aerial campaign in June that saw direct American participation alongside Israeli forces targeting Iranian nuclear facilities – representing the most significant U.S. military engagement against Iran to date.
During that previous confrontation, Iran responded by firing missiles at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, which serves as America’s largest Middle Eastern military facility.
International observers have consistently warned that Iran’s ballistic missile development poses serious regional security risks and could potentially deliver nuclear warheads if fully developed, though Tehran continues to deny pursuing atomic weapons capabilities.
With barely any time left on the overtime clock, Chris Kreider delivered the game-winner with just 13 seconds to spare, propelling the Anaheim Ducks to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night.
The Ducks extended their hot streak to four consecutive wins behind a strong offensive showing. Pavel Mintyukov contributed both a goal and an assist, while Jacob Trouba, Leo Carlsson, and Ryan Poehling each found the back of the net for Anaheim. Between the pipes, Lukas Dostal turned away 29 shots, though Winnipeg came close to scoring several more times with five shots striking the goalpost either directly or off deflections.
For the visiting Jets, who now stand 2-1-2 over their last five outings, Alex Iafallo and Kyle Connor each recorded a goal and assist combination. Logan Stanley and Cole Perfetti were playmakers with two helpers each, while Gabriel Vilardi and Elias Salomonsson also lit the lamp for Winnipeg.
Despite the loss, Connor Hellebuyck delivered a solid performance in net for the Jets, making 35 saves on 40 shots faced.
Sabres 3, Panthers 2
Beck Malenstyn netted the decisive goal during the middle portion of the final period, lifting Buffalo to victory in Sunrise, Florida.
Alex Tuch recorded both a goal and assist, while Peyton Krebs added an insurance marker into the empty net. Goaltender Alex Lyon made 28 stops for Buffalo, which has now captured two consecutive victories following the Olympic break and boasts an impressive 8-2-1 record across their most recent 11 contests.
Sam Bennett tallied a goal and assist while Matthew Tkachuk also scored for Florida, which has dropped six of their past eight matchups. Netminder Daniil Tarasov recorded 36 saves in the losing effort.
Utah 5, Wild 2
Lawson Crouse found the net twice, powering Utah to victory over the visiting Minnesota Wild.
Clayton Keller contributed one goal and two assists for Utah, which has compiled a strong 12-4-1 mark over their last 17 games and maintains an 18-9-2 home record this season. Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton also scored, with Jack McBain, Nick Schmaltz, and Mikhail Sergachev each providing two assists.
Matt Boldy registered a goal and assist while Kirill Kaprizov also scored for Minnesota, which saw its six-game winning run come to an end. The Wild suffered just their second regulation loss in their past 12 games, going 9-2-1 over that stretch.
Capitals 3, Golden Knights 2
Pierre-Luc Dubois recorded two goals and one assist, while Logan Thompson made 24 saves to guide Washington past the visiting Vegas Golden Knights.
Aliaksei Protas and Rasmus Sandin each contributed two assists, and Jakob Chychrun also scored for the Capitals, who pushed their home winning streak to five games and captured their sixth victory in seven recent contests.
Braeden Bowman and Tomas Hertl scored for Vegas, with Akira Schmid finishing with 27 saves for the Golden Knights, whose three-game winning streak came to an end.
A defense official from Israel has confirmed that Saturday’s military strike against Iran was conducted with coordination from the United States, according to a Reuters report released Thursday.
The official disclosed that the military action had been under development for several months, with the specific timing for the operation determined weeks prior to its execution.
Dense fog is creating dangerous driving conditions across Delaware today, prompting state transportation officials to issue a safety warning for all motorists.
The thick fog has been spotted at different levels of density throughout the First State, significantly reducing visibility on roadways and making travel more hazardous than normal.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to take extra precautions while behind the wheel during these challenging weather conditions. Reduced visibility can make it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and potential hazards ahead.
Motorists should consider slowing down, increasing following distance, and using low-beam headlights when driving through foggy areas. Drivers may also want to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israeli forces conducted daylight strikes Saturday against Tehran, Iran’s capital city, sending plumes of smoke billowing from the metropolitan area. The initial strike occurred in proximity to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s governmental offices.
American forces are taking part in the military operation, sources familiar with the mission confirmed to reporters under anonymity due to the classified nature of the strikes. The scope of Washington’s role remains unclear, and White House officials have not provided immediate comment.
Officials have not confirmed whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was present at his offices during the assault. The Iranian leader has remained out of public view recently as diplomatic friction with Washington has intensified. The military action occurs while the United States has positioned an extensive array of combat aircraft and naval vessels throughout the region, aiming to compel Tehran toward nuclear negotiations.
Security forces blocked access routes leading to Khamenei’s governmental complex in central Tehran as additional explosions echoed throughout the city.
The Israeli operation focused on Iran’s armed forces, governmental institutions, and intelligence facilities, an informed source revealed while requesting anonymity to discuss classified operational details.
Former President Trump has pursued an agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities and recognizes a potential opening as the nation faces internal unrest following widespread demonstrations. Tehran had sought to prevent military conflict but insists on its uranium enrichment rights while refusing negotiations on additional matters including ballistic missile development and backing for militant organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran’s immediate response remains uncertain, though officials have previously threatened American military personnel and installations across the region would face retaliatory attacks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the operation as necessary “to remove threats,” without providing additional specifics.
Multiple Israeli medical facilities activated emergency procedures, relocating patients and surgical operations to subterranean areas.
Tehran residents reported hearing the initial explosion near Khamenei’s headquarters. Iranian government media subsequently acknowledged the blast without identifying its origin.
Warning sirens activated throughout Israel as authorities closed national airspace. Military officials announced they had issued “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.”
Additional explosions struck Iran’s capital following Israel’s confirmation of the military campaign. Government officials have not released casualty figures from the strikes.
Iranian authorities simultaneously shut down airspace and disrupted cellular phone networks.
Aviation warnings were distributed as explosions continued across Tehran.
With the clock winding down in overtime, Chris Kreider delivered the decisive blow with just 15 seconds remaining, lifting the Anaheim Ducks to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night.
The game-winning sequence unfolded when Kreider and Beckett Sennecke executed a perfect 2-on-1 breakaway in the final moments of the extra period. Sennecke, who recorded his third helper of the evening, set up Kreider with the championship pass.
The triumph marks Anaheim’s fourth consecutive victory and continues their impressive 11-2-0 record over their past 13 contests.
Pavel Mintyukov contributed both a goal and an assist for the Ducks, while Jacob Trouba, Leo Carlsson, and Ryan Poehling added the remaining tallies for Anaheim.
Between the pipes, Lukas Dostal turned away 29 of 33 attempts to secure his 23rd victory of the campaign. Lady Luck also smiled on Dostal, as Winnipeg struck iron five times throughout the contest on direct shots and deflections.
The Jets have collected points in four of their previous five outings (2-1-2 record), though they squandered another opportunity to climb in the postseason standings.
Alex Iafallo and Kyle Connor each recorded a goal and assist combination for Winnipeg, while Logan Stanley and Cole Perfetti contributed two helpers apiece. Gabriel Vilardi and Elias Salomonsson rounded out the scoring for the visiting Jets.
Despite the defeat, Connor Hellebuyck delivered a strong performance, making 35 saves on 40 Anaheim attempts.
The action began immediately, with Iafallo lighting the lamp just 74 seconds after the opening faceoff on Winnipeg’s initial shot attempt. The Jets struck again early in the middle frame when Vilardi converted a power-play opportunity at the 2:25 mark, firing a one-timer from the slot.
The second period featured fast-paced action with Anaheim outshooting Winnipeg 17-14. Among the numerous scoring chances, Trouba’s seemingly harmless shot from the point managed to beat a screened Hellebuyck with 41 seconds remaining before the intermission.
Winnipeg caught the Ducks off-guard once more just 1:27 into the final period when Salomonsson netted his inaugural NHL goal and point in his 15th professional appearance.
Anaheim rallied to level the contest by the halfway point of the third period. Carlsson converted on the man advantage 6:32 into the frame, followed by Mintyukov capitalizing on a substantial rebound opportunity at the 9:59 mark to tie the game.
Poehling produced a spectacular goal to give Anaheim the lead at 16:50 of the third period, but Connor answered back with the tying goal at 18:38 to force overtime.
The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a dominant performance Friday night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 124-105 and pushing the home team’s losing streak at their own arena to seven consecutive games.
Cam Spencer paced Memphis with 25 points, while Olivier-Maxence Prosper recorded his first professional double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Grizzlies received balanced scoring throughout their lineup, with Scotty Pippen Jr. contributing 15 points and both GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells adding 12 points apiece.
Memphis showcased impressive depth, putting seven different players into double-digit scoring while their reserves produced 60 points. Taylor Hendricks provided valuable bench production with 11 points and eight rebounds.
The victory allowed Memphis to end a three-game slide while continuing their recent dominance over Dallas, marking their sixth straight win in the series. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have now dropped 12 of their last 14 contests.
Dallas received solid individual efforts from Brandon Williams, who posted 16 points and eight rebounds, and Daniel Gafford, who shot efficiently for 14 points on 7-of-8 attempts. Dwight Powell recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Max Christie added 13 points. AJ Johnson managed 12 points despite struggling with his shot, connecting on just 3-of-13 attempts.
Naji Marshall, coming off a season-best 36-point performance against Sacramento on Thursday, was limited to just four points on 2-of-6 shooting in 24 minutes of action.
Memphis controlled the game from start to finish, never surrendering the lead after Pippen scored the first two baskets. The Grizzlies established a 14-point advantage after the opening quarter and stretched their lead to 22 points before intermission, taking a 64-44 advantage into the locker room.
The visitors continued to pull away in the second half, building their largest lead to 34 points late in the third quarter when Spencer converted two free throws with 4:57 remaining in the period.
Both squads were missing key contributors due to injuries. Memphis played their 16th consecutive game without star point guard Ja Morant, who has been sidelined since late January with a left elbow injury. Dallas was without rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, who remains out with a midfoot sprain.
The road victory also ended Memphis’s five-game losing streak away from home.
Israeli military forces carried out a preemptive strike against Iran on Saturday, according to official statements from Tel Aviv, escalating tensions across the Middle East and casting doubt on ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve Iran’s nuclear program dispute.
According to The New York Times, which cited a U.S. official, American forces were also conducting strikes against Iranian targets. Reuters learned from a source that Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been moved from Tehran to a protected location for safety.
Saturday’s military action follows a previous 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran that occurred in June, and comes after repeated threats from both U.S. and Israeli officials warning of further strikes if Tehran continued advancing its nuclear and missile development programs.
“The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said.
According to an Israeli defense official, military planners had been developing this operation for several months while working closely with Washington, with the timing finalized weeks before execution.
Iranian media outlets reported hearing explosions in Tehran on Saturday, while warning sirens activated throughout Israel at approximately 08:15 local time as military officials issued proactive alerts to ready citizens for potential incoming missile attacks.
Israeli authorities ordered the shutdown of educational institutions and most workplaces, excluding critical services, while implementing a complete ban on public airspace operations. Civilian air traffic was suspended, and airport officials urged citizens to avoid all airport facilities.
Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran had resumed in February as both nations sought to address the longstanding nuclear dispute through negotiations rather than military action, hoping to prevent regional destabilization.
However, Israeli leadership maintained that any American agreement with Iran must require the complete elimination of Tehran’s nuclear facilities, going beyond simply halting uranium enrichment, while also pushing Washington to address Iran’s missile capabilities in the diplomatic discussions.
Iranian officials indicated willingness to consider limitations on their nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief, but rejected connecting missile program restrictions to nuclear negotiations.
Tehran has also declared its intention to defend against any military aggression.
Iranian leadership warned regional nations hosting American military personnel that they would target U.S. installations if Washington proceeded with strikes against Iran.
During June’s conflict, American forces joined Israeli operations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, representing the most significant direct U.S. military engagement against the Islamic Republic to date.
Iran responded to those June attacks by firing missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid air base located in Qatar, which serves as America’s largest Middle Eastern military installation.
International leaders have expressed concern that Iran’s missile development program poses risks to regional security and could potentially deliver nuclear warheads if fully developed, though Tehran maintains it is not pursuing nuclear weapons capability.
Israeli Defense Minister confirmed Saturday that the nation conducted a preemptive missile strike targeting Iran, according to official statements.
The Israeli military activated air raid warning systems throughout the country on Saturday as a precautionary step “to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward Israel” in potential retaliation for the strike.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A heated confrontation during the final quarter led to multiple ejections as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime Friday evening.
The incident occurred when Thunder guard Lu Dort committed a foul against Denver’s star center Nikola Jokic during a crucial moment in the contest. Following the foul, Jokic confronted Dort face-to-face, sparking a heated exchange between both teams. Officials assessed Jokic and Thunder player Jaylin Williams with matching technical fouls, while Dort received a Flagrant 2 foul and was removed from the game.
The aggressive play began early in the contest and continued throughout the evening.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received an early technical foul after hurling the basketball at Jokic, who had made contact with him following a dead ball situation. Denver’s bench also drew a technical foul during the third quarter, while players from both squads engaged in verbal exchanges and physical confrontations throughout the matchup.
Body camera footage made public on Friday reveals the frantic moments that followed a fatal family shooting at a Rhode Island ice hockey facility, showing emergency responders and civilians working desperately to save lives amid the confusion.
“My dad shot my brother,” a woman can be heard telling a police officer outside the facility in the body camera recording obtained by The Boston Globe on Friday.
The officer immediately rushes into the building, according to the more than 21-minute recording released by Pawtucket Police. Most of the footage has been heavily blurred, with only exterior shots of the building and some seating areas remaining visible.
Officials report that gunman Robert Dorgan, 56, opened fire on family members during a youth hockey match. The attack claimed the lives of his former wife Rhonda Dorgan, their adult son Aidan Dorgan, and Rhonda Dorgan’s father, Gerald Dorgan. Two others were injured: Rhonda Dorgan’s mother Linda Dorgan and family friend Thomas Geruso.
The gunman, Robert Dorgan, who was also known by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, died from what officials believe was a self-inflicted gunshot, according to authorities.
The recording captures the officer yelling, “Where is he? Where is he?” while entering the facility with his weapon drawn.
Racing past abandoned coats and personal belongings, the officer approaches a group of people near the front bleachers while continuously asking, “Where’s the shooter?”
“The shooter’s right here,” responds a man in the crowd.
The following minutes show a rapid response as the officer collaborates with civilians, including individuals who identified themselves as a firefighter and nurse, along with other bystanders, all working to assist the wounded.
One person checks for vital signs on a victim, reporting the pulse as “faint.” The officer instructs someone to bring additional cloth materials to apply pressure to injuries. Crying can be heard in the background throughout the recording.
People describe finding a male victim with two gunshot wounds to his back and a female victim shot in the back, side, and hand.
“Aidan, hey, talk to me, Aidan. Aidan, how old are you? How old are you, buddy?” the officer can be heard asking before apparently discovering additional injuries. “Oh, he’s got three. Oh, my God, he’s got more.”
Police officials have praised multiple “good Samaritans” who stepped in and quickly ended the assault. At least three civilians managed to restrain the gunman in the middle of the bleacher section while other spectators evacuated around them.
Military confrontations between Pakistani forces and Afghanistan’s Taliban government stretched into Saturday, marking the third consecutive day of warfare as global leaders expressed mounting alarm and urged immediate diplomatic intervention.
On Friday, Pakistani military strikes targeted Taliban installations and outposts across multiple locations, reaching as far as Kabul and Kandahar in what represents one of Pakistan’s most significant cross-border operations into Afghanistan in recent years, according to military sources.
The Pakistani government maintains that Taliban authorities are providing sanctuary to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, whom they accuse of conducting insurgent operations within Pakistan’s borders – allegations the Taliban government firmly rejects.
Pakistani officials characterized their military response as retaliation for cross-border attacks, while Afghan authorities condemned the strikes as violations of national sovereignty. Taliban leaders indicated willingness for negotiations but cautioned that expanded hostilities would bring severe repercussions.
The escalating violence threatens to spark extended warfare along the challenging 2,600-kilometer border region separating the two nations.
International mediation efforts accelerated Friday evening when Afghanistan announced that Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi conducted phone discussions with Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan regarding tension reduction and maintaining diplomatic communications.
European Union representatives demanded both nations step back from confrontation and pursue peaceful negotiations, while United Nations officials pressed for immediate cessation of military actions.
Russian authorities encouraged both governments to suspend fighting and resume diplomatic talks, as Chinese officials expressed serious concern and offered assistance in resolving tensions.
American officials backed Pakistan’s authority to defend against Taliban aggression, according to State Department representatives.
A U.S. government source, requesting anonymity, indicated Washington does not consider Pakistan the instigator in recent developments and acknowledged Islamabad faces significant security pressures, while expressing hopes the crisis won’t intensify.
Combat operations persisted throughout Friday night along border areas.
Pakistani military sources reported their ongoing mission, code-named “Ghazab Lil Haq,” had eliminated numerous Taliban positions and facilities across multiple sectors, though Reuters could not confirm these assertions.
Both militaries have claimed substantial enemy casualties with contradictory figures that remain unverified. Pakistani officials reported 12 of their personnel and 274 Taliban fighters killed, while Taliban sources claimed 13 of their forces and 55 Pakistani soldiers died.
Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that 19 civilians perished and 26 sustained injuries in Khost and Paktika provinces, claims Reuters could not substantiate.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared “our cup of patience has overflowed” and characterized the hostilities as “open war,” threatening retaliation against additional attacks.
Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani warned during remarks in Khost province that the conflict “will be very costly,” noting that Afghan military units had not yet deployed beyond currently engaged forces.
Haqqani emphasized the Taliban had overcome “the world, not through technology, but through unity and solidarity,” achieved through “great patience and perseverance” rather than advanced military equipment.
Pakistan maintains vastly superior military resources compared to Afghanistan, fielding hundreds of thousands of active personnel and advanced aviation capabilities.
By comparison, Taliban forces lack conventional air power and depend primarily on lightweight arms and infantry units.
Nevertheless, the Islamist movement brings extensive combat experience from twenty years of guerrilla warfare against U.S.-led coalition forces before regaining control in 2021.
Cincinnati-born tennis player Peyton Stearns, a former University of Texas standout, has reached the semifinals at the ATX Open following a hard-fought 6-1, 5-7, 7-5 triumph over Russia’s Oksana Selekhmeteva on Friday.
The fourth-seeded Stearns needed two hours and 31 minutes to complete the victory in a contest that saw 14 total service breaks, with Stearns claiming eight of those breaks during her homecoming to Austin, Texas.
Stearns will face Australia’s Kimberly Birrell in the semifinals after Birrell defeated fellow Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-3, 6-3 in their quarterfinal matchup.
The American player has reached two tournament finals during her professional career, falling short in Bogota, Colombia in 2023 but capturing the title in Rabat, Morocco in 2024.
Fellow American Taylor Townsend also secured a semifinal berth with a comeback victory over Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova, winning 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 after dropping the opening set.
Townsend’s semifinal opponent will be another American, Ashlyn Krueger, who defeated China’s Yuan Yue 7-6 (5), 6-4 in their quarterfinal encounter.
At the Merida Open Akron in Mexico, Poland’s Magdalena Frech scored an upset victory over Czech Republic’s fourth-seeded Marie Bouzkova, winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in quarterfinal action.
Frech’s previous semifinal appearance came in 2024 at Guadalajara, Mexico, where she captured her only professional title to date.
China’s Shuai Zhang will meet Frech in the semifinals after Zhang defeated Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva of Andorra 6-1, 6-3.
Spain’s Cristina Bucsa advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez. Bucsa awaits the winner of Friday evening’s quarterfinal between Italy’s top-seeded Jasmine Paolini and Great Britain’s Katie Boulter.
Former President Bill Clinton defended himself during intense congressional questioning on Friday, firmly stating he committed no wrongdoing in his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
During hours of testimony before lawmakers, Clinton maintained that he witnessed no indication of Epstein’s criminal sexual conduct and insisted his interactions with the disgraced Wall Street figure were appropriate.
The congressional inquiry focused on Clinton’s connections to Epstein, which date back more than twenty years. Lawmakers pressed the former president for details about the nature and extent of their relationship during the lengthy questioning session.
Clinton’s appearance before Congress represents the latest development in ongoing scrutiny of high-profile individuals who had ties to Epstein before his 2019 death in federal custody while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have been scorching hot since the All-Star break concluded, and they’ve now etched their names into the record books with a historic offensive explosion.
Boston delivered one of the most dominant shooting performances in NBA history during their commanding 148-111 victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. The team connected on an impressive 66.7% of their shots (52 out of 78 attempts), marking their second-best field goal percentage ever recorded. Only their legendary 67.9% shooting night against Golden State on November 21, 1984 surpassed Friday’s display.
The Celtics’ three-point shooting was equally spectacular, as they drained 64.7% from beyond the arc. This remarkable accuracy resulted in an 80.8% effective field goal percentage — the highest mark in league history. The effective field goal percentage accounts for the additional value of three-point baskets compared to two-pointers.
All-Star guard Jaylen Brown spearheaded the offensive onslaught with 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Recent trade acquisition Nikola Vucevic matched Brown’s scoring output with 28 points while grabbing 11 rebounds for his third double-double since joining Boston.
“I thought we just did a good job reading the game,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I thought we made the right reads throughout most of the entire game. I thought tonight Vooch really looked comfortable in his offensive reads and his offensive screening. He unlocked a lot of stuff for us.”
The team’s depth was on full display as all 13 available players found the scoring column. Boston also demonstrated exceptional ball security, turning the ball over just three times in the second half.
“We just try to read the game and take what’s there,” Brown said.
With five victories in six contests since the All-Star break, Boston now focuses on Sunday evening’s home clash with the Philadelphia 76ers — a game that could mark Jayson Tatum’s highly anticipated return to action.
The matchup was originally scheduled for earlier in the day but NBC moved it to an 8 p.m. primetime slot, fueling speculation about Tatum’s potential comeback.
Tatum has been sidelined for 41 weeks after suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon last May during the final moments of Boston’s Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.
The league mandates that Boston release their initial injury report by 5:00 p.m. EST Saturday before Sunday’s home game against Philadelphia.
Following a practice session with the Celtics’ G League affiliate two weeks ago, Tatum remained uncertain about his return timeline.
“It doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not, it’s just following the plan. So it’s just another step,” Tatum said. “I don’t know percentage. I just know I feel a little bit better everyday. I just try to focus on that.”
In that same interview, Tatum expressed concern about potentially disrupting the chemistry of a team currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 39-20 record.
“I’m just hyper aware of what’s going on. I think it would just stem from that. Obviously, I know what I bring to the table and bring to the team. But I’m also aware that these guys have been playing extremely well,” Tatum said.
Social media platforms are flooded with influencers promoting electrolyte supplements and sharing homemade recipes, but medical professionals warn that many health claims surrounding these popular drinks should be viewed with skepticism.
These electrically charged minerals help control chemical processes throughout the body, according to Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic. When it comes to staying hydrated, they maintain proper fluid distribution between cells.
Our bodies primarily lose electrolytes through perspiration, especially sodium chloride found in regular table salt. Consuming excessive amounts of plain water during heavy sweating can further reduce salt levels, creating an imbalance. These specialized beverages and powders aim to restore hydration while replenishing lost minerals, typically including potassium and magnesium along with various sugar forms.
For most healthy individuals, the kidneys effectively maintain proper electrolyte balance naturally. Any excess amounts are eliminated through urination, explains Hunter Huston, a kidney specialist at Vanderbilt University who also advises a British company developing electrolyte programs for endurance athletes.
“Taking an electrolyte-enriched drink, just for health purposes, probably isn’t doing much,” he said.
Despite the surge in “rapid hydration” and “advanced hydration” products, the question remains: who truly needs them?
The story begins in 1965 at the University of Florida when assistant football coach Dwayne Douglas approached Robert Cade, the university’s first kidney researcher, with a puzzling observation about players not urinating after games.
“That question changed our lives,” Cade said.
The answer was straightforward: players couldn’t urinate because they were losing massive amounts of fluid through sweat. Cade’s team discovered that a single player could shed up to 18 pounds during one game. Beyond water loss, they were also depleting sodium and chloride while losing both plasma and blood volume, which weakened their performance and endurance.
Cade created a salty mixture to restore the water and minerals players were losing. He added sugar to help the digestive system absorb sodium more effectively. His initial attempt made him sick, but adding lemon juice improved the taste slightly. Though still unpalatable, the team’s enhanced performance became undeniable, particularly during second halves when opposing players began struggling in Florida’s oppressive heat and humidity.
Cade, who passed away in 2007, never anticipated that Gatorade would become a consumer staple.
Although electrolyte supplements seem ubiquitous today, not everyone requires them.
Huston suggests that plain water suffices for workouts under two hours. Most healthy people can handle losing approximately 2% of their body weight through sweat before experiencing noticeable effects including increased thirst, exhaustion, and muscle cramps.
Individual differences matter, however. Some people perspire more heavily or have particularly salty sweat.
Extreme athletes participating in ultramarathons often seek professional testing to measure their sweat output and receive customized nutrition strategies.
“Most folks that are exercising, that are, say, doing a marathon, are gonna be way past that two hours, and it does then make sense to be thinking about, ‘What’s going to be my fluid and electrolyte replacement plan?’” Huston said.
Darren Rovell has tracked sports drinks’ evolution from specialized products to mainstream beverages. The author of “First in Thirst: How Gatorade Turned the Science of Sweat Into a Cultural Phenomenon” and former Bodyarmor investor recalls receiving Gatorade as a high school runner with explanations that its poor taste indicated its effectiveness.
The formula became increasingly sweet during the 1990s. Following PepsiCo’s 2001 acquisition, Gatorade appeared everywhere, including pizza restaurants, raising questions about whether it had simply become another soft drink variety.
Rovell believes electrolyte companies promote the notion that their products either transform consumers into athletes or enhance existing athletic performance.
“It all starts in the aspiration of being better, but you know we do have to check ourselves,” he said.
Today’s supplements contain vastly different electrolyte concentrations, notes Patrick Burns, an emergency medicine physician at Stanford Health Care who occasionally competes in ultramarathons. With sodium levels varying by five times between brands, consumers shouldn’t assume all products are equivalent.
Burns also cautioned against excessive potassium supplementation due to potential health risks.
He observed that many brands now offer sugar-free options, despite glucose being essential for rapid sodium absorption.
“They’re not internally consistent, at all, with what they’re trying to sell you,” he said. “For optimal absorption, you need some sugar in with your salt.”
“Electrolytes can help, especially with heavy sweating or exercise, but for most people, they’re not something you need every single day, and you definitely don’t need large amounts of it,” the Cleveland Clinic’s Zumpano said.
For healthy individuals who aren’t sweating intensely, these beverages likely won’t cause harm but won’t provide benefits either.
“You’re getting extra sugar, and there’s no reason (for) rapid absorption of sodium because you’re not sodium depleted,” said Mark Segal, a kidney specialist at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Most people obtain sufficient salt and potassium from their regular diet, he explained.
Regarding homemade electrolyte powders, experts say it’s possible but requires proper knowledge. They recommend avoiding recipes from social media influencers.
“How do you know how much you need?” Zumpano asked. “There’s a large margin of error there. I’d probably just avoid it.”
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — When evening arrives, Saddam al-Yazji sits with his wife and daughter to share a simple noodle soup, ending their daily Ramadan fast in Gaza City. Their makeshift dining spot consists of a portable table placed in the dirt beside a massive heap of debris, mangled steel, and concrete chunks — the remains of what was once their family home.
Beneath this wreckage lie the remains of most of their loved ones.
These three individuals represent nearly all who remain of their once-large family. In December 2023, an Israeli bombing attack on their residence claimed the lives of al-Yazji’s mother and father, three brothers, one sister, most of their children, plus his wife’s parents and siblings — a devastating total of 40 family members lost in one strike.
Ramadan, the sacred Islamic month, typically centers around family connections, featuring large celebratory iftar meals at sunset to conclude each day’s fasting period. Throughout the Gaza Strip, this holy season has transformed into a time when wartime casualties create particularly profound grief for countless families mourning relatives killed during the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas, which has continued for over two years.
“I look at photos of our gatherings in Ramadan and cry,” said the 35-year-old al-Yazji. “Where is my family? All are wiped out.”
“It’s the third Ramadan without them.”
Before the conflict began, al-Yazji’s father, Kamel al-Yazji, would gather all his children and grandchildren for iftar around a massive table loaded with meat, rice, and various other foods, remembered Saddam’s wife, Heba al-Yazji.
The month of Ramadan, during which Muslims abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset, serves as a period focused on spiritual contemplation and prayer. The observance also strengthens community bonds through charitable giving.
The elder al-Yazji had previously served as a judge within the Palestinian Authority and was recognized as a prominent athletic leader in Gaza, holding the position of chairman for the Palestinian Athletics Federation. Saddam al-Yazji made his living operating a grocery store located on the first floor of their four-story family residence in Gaza City’s Rimal district.
The deadly air attack occurred just months after Israel began its intense bombing campaign following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in October 2023. The building collapsed completely, trapping everyone who was inside.
“We were in the same house, in other part of the house,” Saddam al-Yazji said. “We survived miraculously.”
The sole additional survivors included one brother’s daughter and his expecting wife. The fatalities included 22 children.
Rescue workers recovered some victims immediately after the attack. One of al-Yazji’s brothers lies in a makeshift grave marked with wooden sticks near the destroyed residence. Approximately 20 family members continue to remain trapped beneath the rubble.
Following the bombing, the couple and their 11-year-old daughter Maryam spent most of the conflict living in a temporary shelter elsewhere in Gaza City. During the two previous Ramadan observances, they made efforts to return to their destroyed home’s location for iftar meals whenever possible.
After a ceasefire agreement took effect in October, the three relocated to a tent positioned adjacent to their former residence.
“Life is empty,” Heba al-Yazji said. “The war took everything from me. We wish we had died with them rather than remain alone.”
During the entire conflict, Israel has conducted strikes against Palestinian residences and temporary shelter areas, frequently resulting in multiple family casualties simultaneously. Israeli officials state they focus on Hamas fighters, although they seldom identify specific intended targets.
Israel’s military operations have resulted in more than 72,000 deaths, with nearly half being women and children, based on Gaza Health Ministry statistics. The ministry, operating under Hamas-led governance, keeps comprehensive casualty documentation that U.N. agencies and independent analysts generally consider reliable, though it doesn’t distinguish between civilian and militant deaths.
Approximately 8,000 additional victims remain trapped under destroyed building debris, according to ministry reports. Recovering most bodies proved impossible during active bombing and ground combat operations. The ceasefire has allowed increased recovery work, though efforts remain limited due to insufficient heavy machinery.
Israel’s military response followed the Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of more than 250 hostages. The hostages have been freed, primarily through ceasefire negotiations.
Nearly every Gaza resident has experienced the loss of at least extended family members. Almost the complete population of 2.1 million lacks permanent housing, with most residing in expansive temporary encampments. More than 80% of the territory’s structures have sustained damage or complete destruction.
A vast landscape of destruction that once comprised the Rimal neighborhood surrounded the small Ramadan table where the three remaining al-Yazji family members shared their evening meal.
Saddam al-Yazji remembered the “great dining table” from their family’s previous Ramadan celebrations and how everyone eagerly anticipated the annual gathering.
“I feel like I have betrayed them by being alive,” he said.
TYMPAKI, Greece — A sophisticated Israeli-manufactured Heron 2 unmanned aircraft lifts off from the runway, beginning another monitoring operation over Mediterranean waters.
The drone’s advanced equipment searches for vessels across the 220-mile expanse of ocean separating Libya from Crete, Greece’s largest island, with technology capable of identifying concealed activities beneath ship decks.
Last year brought a dramatic surge to Crete, with irregular migration jumping three times higher than previous levels. The island handled approximately 20,000 arrivals, making it Greece’s primary entry point despite a 26% decline in overall irregular migration to Europe during 2025, according to Frontex, the European Union’s border protection agency.
This Mediterranean passage ranks among Europe’s most dangerous migration routes, where unidentified remains frequently appear on coastlines. The corridor continues expanding due to ongoing conflicts and political turmoil throughout Africa, even as other Mediterranean pathways see reduced activity.
With the EU preparing stricter anti-migration policies, Frontex plans to concentrate additional resources on Crete to halt the continuing wave of arrivals.
Eastern Libya has emerged as a primary departure hub for human traffickers, undermining years of European efforts to prevent these journeys and transforming Crete into a critical pressure zone.
Vessels departing Libya typically carry excessive passenger loads and lack proper seaworthiness, embarking on lengthy, dangerous voyages across the Libyan Sea. These conditions have resulted in catastrophes like the 2023 fishing vessel disaster that claimed at least 700 lives.
Greek rescue teams recently saved 20 migrants and retrieved four bodies from a distressed boat south of Crete, with dozens more presumed lost at sea.
Every rescue operation reinforces the same harsh truth: these crossings represent deadly gambles with human lives.
The journey to Crete presents far greater dangers and distances compared to the brief voyage from Turkey to nearby Greek islands. It demands larger ships capable of multi-day ocean navigation and requires different operational strategies from Frontex, including enhanced patrol vessels and expanded aerial monitoring.
At Tympaki airfield on Crete, Mariusz Kawczynski, a senior Frontex operations official, emphasized the drone technology’s vital role while standing next to the aircraft.
“This asset is of critical importance,” Kawczynski stated. “There is no substitute in modern technology to have eyes for Europe of the threats that are coming to our borders.”
Georgios Pyliaros, who oversees Frontex operations in Greece and Cyprus, noted that harsh weather conditions created an anticipated seasonal decline in January and February activity, though the agency anticipates increased crossings during spring months.
“If we take into consideration what happened in the last two or three years, we will have some increase in the following months, for sure,” Pyliaros explained.
The dramatic increase in Crete arrivals last year strengthened hardline political stances in Athens. Greece implemented a temporary three-month suspension of asylum applications from migrants using the Libya route, eliminated certain amnesty programs, and established mandatory detention for asylum seekers whose applications face rejection.
The European Union is also adopting stricter approaches, with new continent-wide migration regulations beginning in June designed to enhance border screening procedures and accelerate deportation processes.
Frontex’s permanent workforce is projected to reach 10,000 officers by year’s end — representing a doubling from 2021 staffing levels — demonstrating the policy transformation and expectations of continued pressure along major routes.
A conflict monitoring initiative at Sweden’s Uppsala University documented 61 active global conflicts during 2024 — the highest count since World War II — including expanding militant operations in western Africa, a significant factor driving population displacement.
The International Organization for Migration, a United Nations agency, calculates that at least 2,185 individuals died or disappeared in the Mediterranean during 2025. The organization reported 606 migrant fatalities already documented in Mediterranean waters through February 24, cautioning that restricted access to search-and-rescue data suggests actual numbers are likely higher.
“The continued loss of life on migration routes is a global failure we cannot accept as normal,” stated IOM Director General Amy Pope. “These deaths are not inevitable.”
Tuesday’s primary elections in Texas marked the first time millions of voters cast ballots under newly configured congressional boundaries, creating a vastly different political landscape than previous elections.
Following a nationwide push to redraw U.S. House districts before November’s midterm elections, Texas voters experienced the effects of new mapping boundaries firsthand. Former President Donald Trump had urged Republican-controlled states to reconfigure congressional districts as a strategy to diminish Democratic opportunities to regain control.
The Lone Star State’s revised maps are designed to secure five extra House seats for Republicans. These adjustments combined progressive Dallas communities with conservative East Texas regions and modified boundary lines near the Mexican border to capitalize on Republican gains among Hispanic constituents.
While the altered district lines for political advantage concern some Democratic voters regarding fair representation, Republican supporters view them as better reflecting the state’s conservative leanings. Meanwhile, certain Houston areas continue experiencing outright bewilderment.
Angela Juergens, a 37-year-old former New York resident who relocated to Texas for her career as a public school art educator, now serves as a stay-at-home mother of two. Despite questioning her decision to remain in a state led by far-right Republicans, she had discovered solidarity among fellow Democratic voters in her tree-lined Dallas community.
Previously residing in a district where Kamala Harris won by substantial margins during the 2024 presidential race and represented by Democratic Rep. Julie Johnson, Juergens now finds her street reassigned to Republican Rep. Lance Gooden’s district, which extends over 100 miles eastward into Texas’ rural pine forest regions.
“We felt represented, but with this change, we did not elect Lance Gooden and we don’t feel at home with that,” she said.
“While this administration feels like it’s out of control, we need some checks and balances in the government,” Juergens said. “And we need a true representation of all the people and it just feels like they are just trying to cut it all out.”
Ryan Vannest, a 53-year-old retired high school educator who has supported Republican candidates since 1990, has long respected GOP leaders including Ronald Reagan, John McCain and George H.W. Bush.
The border resident expressed disappointment about his transfer from Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s district to one represented by Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar, who faced bribery and conspiracy allegations before receiving a Trump pardon. “We just need new people,” Vannest said.
He expressed his distaste for Trump and submitted protest votes for entertainers during all three presidential campaigns. The practice of redrawing districts for partisan benefit troubles him.
“It’s just so extreme,” Vannest said. “They’re pandering to the elite, rich, white folk who just want to keep themselves in power. The redistricting, it’s just another example of it, trying to keep power.”
Clara Faulkner relocated to the Fort Worth suburb of Forest Hill nearly five decades ago when virtually no other Black families resided there. Over time, she witnessed the community transform into a racially diverse area within a secure Democratic congressional district.
The updated mapping places Faulkner, an 83-year-old former mayor of the small community housing approximately 14,000 people, into a heavily conservative district represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Williams. About half the constituents in her new district are white, spanning into predominantly rural counties. “It’s just outlandish racism, right in your face,” Faulkner said.
“How the Republicans operate has never been a benefit to me,” Faulkner said. “And the way they draw the Republican districts just to tear our neighborhoods apart, I think they believe in divide and conquer.”
Kenneth Crawley, an 81-year-old retired nurse residing in Mission near the Mexican border, expressed dissatisfaction about his removal from Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s district.
However, he maintains that Republican leadership should continue, believing they best represent his preferences for reduced taxation and robust public safety. He consistently votes for Republican candidates across the ballot.
“I stick with the party, and the party that I stick with is the Republican Party because that’s the things that they support,” Crawley said. “In this new district, the Democrats, they want to let all these foreigners come across the border. That’s not what I want.”
Rene Martinez, a 79-year-old Democratic supporter, was also transferred into Gooden’s firmly Republican district. He expresses concern that issues affecting farm subsidies or healthcare access in rural areas Gooden represents differ significantly from his priorities in Dallas, where he serves as president of a local League of United Latin American Citizens council.
“I can’t identify with it. They can’t identify with us,” Martinez said.
Despite his district not being expected to remain competitive, he maintains optimism for Democrats this election cycle. Martinez referenced the surprising special election victory in January when a Democrat captured a state Senate district that Trump won decisively in 2024.
“I’m feeling like we’ve got some tailwinds behind our sails a little bit,” he said.
Luke Wilkinson, a 43-year-old Republican voter working as an inventory manager at a Rio Grande Valley car dealership, doesn’t view redistricting as particularly significant.
He remains doubtful that “my vote or my opinion matter all that much.” With employment responsibilities, financial obligations and other concerns occupying his attention, he was also placed in Cuellar’s district and described the congressman as “a decent enough guy.” Nevertheless, he plans to support the GOP candidate because the party aligns with his values.
“I’ll still vote. I’ll vote the way I feel and what my heart says,” Wilkinson said. “If I’m in a different district, that doesn’t change anything.”
HAVANA – Cuban authorities have disclosed new details about a deadly maritime confrontation this week, revealing that a group of Cuban exiles attempting to reach the island carried an extensive weapons cache including nearly 13,000 ammunition rounds, 13 rifles, and 11 handguns.
According to Havana officials, the Wednesday incident began when 10 Cuban nationals traveling from the United States entered Cuban territorial waters and fired upon a border patrol vessel. Cuban forces responded with gunfire, resulting in four fatalities and six wounded individuals who are now in custody.
During a televised broadcast on Friday, high-ranking Cuban Interior Ministry officials presented the confiscated weapons and equipment in an effort to support their version of events. The display included containers filled with a portion of the 12,846 recovered ammunition rounds and photographs of both vessels showing extensive bullet damage from what officials described as close-range combat at approximately 20 meters.
The incident occurs during a particularly tense period in U.S.-Cuban diplomatic relations, following President Donald Trump’s increased pressure on the island nation through what amounts to an oil embargo after the January 3 capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a key Cuban partner.
Cuban officials have characterized the attackers as Cuban exiles, including some previously designated as suspected terrorists, who departed from U.S. territory with plans to create disorder and target military installations on the Communist-governed island.
Colonel Victor Alvarez of the Interior Ministry explained the group’s alleged objectives: “The intent of this group is to infiltrate, to promote public disorder. To incite the people to unite. To carry out something violent. Attack military units in order to incite social unrest and to unite the people in order to steal the revolution. That has been duly proven.”
American officials have questioned Cuba’s account of the events. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that his administration would conduct an independent investigation, emphasizing that the operation was not sanctioned by the U.S. and involved no American government personnel.
Cuban authorities reported that the infiltrators departed from Marathon in the Florida Keys using two boats but abandoned one due to mechanical problems. They consolidated onto a single speedboat that U.S. officials confirmed was reported as stolen in Florida.
The recovered equipment included a drone, communication devices, cutting tools, knives, a portable generator, and various other supplies. Officials also discovered insignia from the November 30th Movement and People’s Self-Defense, organizations opposed to the Cuban government.
According to Cuban accounts, a five-member border patrol crew aboard a 9-meter vessel first observed the approaching boat around 7 a.m., with some occupants already in the water approximately one nautical mile from a small island off Cuba’s northern coastline, roughly 100 miles from Marathon.
Cuban officials stated the infiltrators initiated gunfire from 185 meters away, striking the Cuban patrol boat captain in the stomach. Despite severe bleeding, the wounded captain continued steering toward the attacking vessel, resulting in the close-quarters firefight at about 20 meters distance.
Cuba characterized its military response as measured and appropriate.
Interior Ministry Colonel Ybey Carballo stated: “It is a defensive model that practically never uses firearms, and the use of firearms is proportional to the type of action being carried out against our force.”
The detained Cuban nationals are receiving medical treatment while facing multiple serious charges including armed assault, unauthorized entry into national territory, terrorism-related crimes, and weapons trafficking. Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell announced during the television program that convictions could result in prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years for lesser charges, and 20 to 30 years or potentially capital punishment for the most serious offenses.
A major Chilean lithium mining company announced Friday that its fourth-quarter earnings soared by more than half compared to the previous year, driven by better market conditions and increased demand.
SQM, which ranks as the globe’s second-biggest lithium producer, reported net income of $183.8 million for the final three months of the year, marking a 53% increase from the same period in the prior year.
The mining company’s quarterly revenue climbed 23.3% to reach $1.32 billion, up from $1.07 billion during the fourth quarter of the previous year. Gross profit also saw significant growth, rising 52.7% to $448.5 million.
Company CEO Ricardo Ramos highlighted the strong performance across the firm’s lithium operations. “Our fourth quarter 2025 results reflected record-high sales volumes across both of our lithium businesses, Nova Andino Litio (formerly SQM Salar) and our International Lithium Division,” Ramos stated. “In November 2025, we began to see early signs of an improved supply-demand balance, driven by stronger-than-expected demand from energy storage systems (ESS).”
Ramos noted that the company is expanding its lithium carbonate refining operations in China through processing agreements, converting lithium sulfate into the more valuable carbonate form.
Looking at the full-year results, SQM achieved net income of $588.1 million, a dramatic turnaround from the $404.4 million loss recorded in 2024. Annual revenue increased 1.0% to $4.58 billion.
SQM operates as one of just two lithium producers in Chile and also manufactures fertilizers and industrial chemicals.
The lithium market has experienced volatility, with prices declining from peak levels reached in 2022 when supply increases exceeded demand growth, creating pressure on profit margins for SQM and competitors like American company Albemarle.
However, industry analysts anticipate growing demand for the battery metal in upcoming years, supported by expanding electric vehicle adoption and increased battery storage applications.
Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev advanced to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final after defeating top-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-2 during Friday’s semifinal match in the United Arab Emirates.
The third-seeded Medvedev will face off against Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands, who defeated fifth-seeded Russian player Andrey Rublev 7-5, 7-6 (6) in the tournament’s other semifinal contest.
With a career record of 22-19 in professional tennis finals, Medvedev previously claimed the 2023 Dubai championship by beating Rublev. The Russian has an unusual career statistic he hopes to change on Saturday – he has never captured the same tournament twice.
Medvedev’s serving performance proved decisive against the Canadian Auger-Aliassime, connecting on 88% of his first serves while preventing his opponent from earning any break point opportunities.
Griekspoor brings a 3-2 career finals record into Saturday’s match, having gone 1-1 in championship matches during 2024. The Dutch player secured the opening set with the match’s lone service break, then fought off two set points against Rublev in the second-set tiebreaker by claiming the final four points.
In other tennis action at the BCI Seguros Chile Open, two Argentine players advanced with straight-set quarterfinal victories in Santiago.
Top-seeded Francisco Cerundolo dispatched American Emilio Nava 6-1, 6-1 in just 66 minutes, while third-seeded Sebastian Baez knocked out the tournament’s final Chilean competitor, eighth-seeded Alejandro Tabilo, 7-6 (2), 6-1.
Cerundolo’s semifinal matchup will be against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, who mounted a comeback victory over Lithuanian lucky loser Vilius Gaubas 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Baez will square off with second-seeded Luciano Darderi, who prevailed in an all-Italian quarterfinal against qualifier Andrea Pellegrino 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.
At the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, Mexico, fifth-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli is positioned to capture his third professional tour title, with all three coming within the past 12 months.
Cobolli outlasted Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-4 in their semifinal encounter. The Italian held a 36-26 advantage in winners, including a 13-7 edge in aces, while committing just one fewer unforced error than Kecmanovic (37-36).
Cobolli awaits the winner of Friday’s late semifinal between eighth-seeded American Frances Tiafoe and Brandon Nakashima in an all-American showdown.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association has modified its financial demands in ongoing contract negotiations, submitting a revised proposal to the WNBA on Friday that reduces the union’s revenue-sharing request, according to multiple media reports.
The players’ union now wants 26% of the league’s total gross revenue, backing down from their earlier demand of 27.5%. This adjustment represents approximately $100 million less over the duration of a potential collective bargaining agreement.
Under the union’s latest offer, the salary cap would start at roughly $9.5 million in the first year of a new contract. This figure remains nearly $4 million higher than what the league is willing to accept.
The WNBA has maintained its financial position in recent negotiations, continuing to offer 70% of net revenue to players. Multiple reports indicate this amount translates to approximately 15% of gross revenue.
The players’ association also modified its housing proposal, now requesting that the league provide housing for players earning less than 75% of the maximum salary, rather than the previous threshold of 80%.
League officials have agreed to provide housing for all players during the first year of any new agreement. After that initial year, the WNBA proposes covering housing costs only for rookie players, those on developmental contracts, and players earning minimum salaries.
Media reports earlier this week revealed that both parties face a March 10 deadline to reach an agreement to prevent disruptions to the 2026 season schedule.
The ongoing negotiations have put free agency on pause, while the league still needs to conduct an expansion draft to populate rosters for two new franchises: the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.
According to the current timeline, the college draft is scheduled for April 13, with training camps beginning six days afterward. The season’s opening games are planned for May 8.
The acclaimed British rock group Radiohead has issued a forceful demand for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove a promotional video that featured their music without authorization, the band announced Friday.
The federal immigration agency recently published a video incorporating a version of Radiohead’s track “Let Down” as background music. The video displayed a compilation of violence victims that ICE linked to individuals living in the United States without legal status.
In a strongly-worded statement released to news organizations, the band expressed their outrage: “We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down. It ain’t funny, this song means a lot to us and other people, and you don’t get to appropriate it without a fight.”
The musical group emphasized that ICE used their composition without obtaining proper authorization from the band.
ICE officials had not provided a response to requests for comment as of Friday evening.
The federal agency has faced widespread criticism from civil liberties organizations during the current administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement and deportation operations. Human rights groups have particularly condemned ICE following the January shooting deaths of two American citizens by federal officers in Minnesota.
Advocacy organizations report that the enforcement campaign has fostered an atmosphere of fear among both citizens and immigrants, particularly affecting minority communities.
Since early 2026 began, at least eight individuals have perished while in ICE custody facilities nationwide, adding to the 31 fatalities recorded during the previous year.
Civil rights advocates have also expressed concerns about First Amendment protections and legal due process regarding ICE’s detention and deportation efforts targeting foreign nationals who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations opposing Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The current administration has defended its enforcement strategy as necessary to address unauthorized immigration and enhance national security.
Radiohead joins numerous other entertainment industry figures who have previously criticized the immigration agency’s policies and practices.
Dallas Stars veteran center Tyler Seguin’s season has come to an early end after suffering a torn ACL that will keep him off the ice through the playoffs, according to NHL sources who spoke with various media outlets Friday.
The Stars have submitted official documentation to the league that will provide them with an additional $6 million in salary cap relief before the March 6 trade deadline approaches. Combined with the $3.82 million in cap space they were already using, Dallas now has access to Seguin’s full $9.85 million salary allocation.
Both the NHL and NHL Players’ Association must give their approval for this transaction to become official.
Seguin, who serves as an alternate captain for Dallas, sustained his injury during the team’s matchup with the New York Rangers on December 2nd when he collided with defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.
Medical staff helped him leave the ice, and he subsequently had surgical repair performed on the torn ACL in his right knee.
Team officials indicated they would reassess his condition following the Olympic break.
Throughout his 16-year NHL career, Seguin has accumulated 367 goals and 459 assists, reaching 826 total points across 1,016 games. His championship experience includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins during his first professional season in 2010-11.
Following three years with Boston, Dallas acquired him through a trade. Seguin demonstrated remarkable durability with the Stars, participating in at least 68 games during 10 of his initial 11 seasons with the franchise.
However, recent years have brought injury challenges, as hip surgery limited him to just 20 games in 2024-25, while this season saw him play 27 games before the knee injury.
Currently, the Stars hold third place in the Western Conference standings with 79 points after completing 58 games.
JOHANNESBURG — In a rare move for Africa’s most established democracy, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to send military forces into areas experiencing extreme criminal activity, targeting organized crime syndicates, gang warfare, and unlawful mining operations.
Ramaphosa declared that military personnel would be stationed in regions experiencing some of the globe’s most severe violent crime rates, addressing what he called the “most immediate threat” to South Africa’s democratic system and economic progress.
The president indicated that three of the nation’s nine provinces would receive military support, though he provided no specific timeline. Opposition voices argue that bringing in the military may signal that Ramaphosa’s administration is failing in its fight against crime.
Cape Town, home to approximately 3.8 million residents, stands as South Africa’s second-largest metropolitan area and a major tourism destination known for its scenic beauty.
However, the surrounding areas called the Cape Flats have gained infamy for lethal gang conflicts.
Criminal organizations with names like the Americans, the Hard Livings and the Terrible Josters have spent years fighting over illegal narcotics territory while engaging in extortion schemes, prostitution rings, and murder-for-hire operations.
Innocent civilians, including young people, frequently become casualties in gang shootouts. Recent crime data shows that South Africa’s three most dangerous police districts are all located in or near Cape Town.
Ramaphosa announced that military units would be sent to the Western Cape province, home to Cape Town, where statistics indicate approximately 90% of the nation’s gang-related murders occur.
He also named two additional provinces for troop deployment: Gauteng, which contains Johannesburg, the country’s largest city, and the Eastern Cape province.
Areas surrounding Johannesburg and throughout Gauteng province contain numerous deserted mining sites, where officials have struggled for years with unauthorized gold extraction.
Officials report that mining criminal groups, called zama zamas, operate under heavily armed crime organizations that violently defend their territories. These syndicates recruit “informal miners” from impoverished communities to descend into mine shafts seeking remaining valuable materials.
These criminal networks frequently connect to serious violent incidents, including a 2022 case that horrified South Africa when approximately 80 suspected illegal miners faced charges for the gang rape of eight women filming a music video at a defunct mine site.
In the previous year, a confrontation between law enforcement and unauthorized miners in an abandoned mine resulted in at least 87 miner deaths after police adopted aggressive tactics and blocked food deliveries to force them to surface.
Security analysts note that illegal miners often participate in additional crimes within surrounding neighborhoods, and territorial disputes between competing groups have displaced residents who flee seeking safer locations.
Government officials estimate that roughly 30,000 unauthorized miners operate throughout South Africa’s approximately 6,000 abandoned mining sites.
The administration has documented rising illegal mining activity, calculating that criminal organizations steal over $4 billion worth of gold annually.
Authorities believe the trade operates primarily under the control of migrants from nearby Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, creating resentment within South African communities toward both crime leaders and foreign residents in local areas.
Ramaphosa recognizes that South Africans who lived through the apartheid era of enforced racial separation, which concluded in 1994, may remember images of soldiers deployed to crush democracy movements.
Acknowledging this difficult history, he emphasized the importance of not deploying military forces “without a good reason.”
However, he stated it has now “become necessary due to a surge in violent organized crime that threatens the safety of our people and the authority of the state.”
Ramaphosa attempted to address concerns by explaining that military forces would function under police supervision.
South African troops have been deployed in other recent situations. In 2023, soldiers patrolled streets following a series of truck attacks that raised fears about broader civil unrest. Additionally, approximately 25,000 troops were deployed in 2021 to suppress violent demonstrations triggered by former President Jacob Zuma’s incarceration.
South Africa also utilized military personnel to implement strict lockdown measures during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Crime specialists have voiced concerns regarding Ramaphosa’s recent deployment strategy, arguing that military intervention cannot provide lasting solutions to criminal activity and that soldiers lack expertise in civilian law enforcement.
Firoz Cachalia, the nation’s police minister, has supported Ramaphosa and emphasized that military forces will assist police “their operations in particular locations.”
He described the deployment as temporary and designed to stabilize regions “where people are losing their lives” daily.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed finds himself at the center of growing tensions that could spark another conflict in the volatile Horn of Africa region.
While his admirers view him as a visionary leader working to restore Ethiopia’s historic prominence, critics characterize Abiy as an agitator whose demands for sea access through hostile neighboring territory could ignite widespread warfare.
Last Sunday in southern Ethiopia, Abiy orchestrated a military display featuring the nation’s special forces conducting tactical exercises in what observers interpreted as a clear message to Eritrea. A prominent banner declared Ethiopia would break free from its landlocked status “you like it or not,” accompanied by images of soldiers forcing entry to reach Assab port.
Since Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1993 following prolonged guerrilla conflict, Assab has remained under Eritrean control. Ethiopia currently routes most of its commerce through Djibouti’s port, paying approximately $1.5 billion annually in fees — an amount that until recently exceeded the nation’s total foreign currency reserves, according to London-based Africa Practice consulting.
This financial burden previously motivated Abiy to pursue a contentious sea access agreement with Somaliland two years ago, which infuriated Somalia and escalated regional tensions since Somalia maintains jurisdiction over the semi-autonomous territory.
Though the Somaliland controversy has subsided, Abiy’s current focus on Assab has generated legitimate concerns about potential warfare between him and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, along with possible allies including rebellious leaders from Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.
The International Crisis Group warned in its latest analysis that while such “a catastrophic turn of events is by no means inevitable,” without international diplomatic intervention, the opposing forces “could find themselves party to a new regional war that would prove difficult to contain or end.”
Abiy emerged from relative anonymity to assume leadership in 2018 at age 41, initially viewed as a reform-oriented pragmatist. His efforts to mend Ethiopia’s strained relationship with Eritrea, which had been deteriorating since the 1990s, contributed to his 2019 Nobel Peace Prize recognition.
However, he surprised many in 2020 by launching military action against Tigray’s rebellious leadership, escalating into a devastating civil war. Ethiopian forces, supported by Eritrean allies, fought against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional governing body. The conflict, characterized by sexual violence and other atrocities committed by all parties, concluded with a peace accord in 2022.
Now, Abiy’s pursuit of sovereign control over Assab has reportedly triggered military reinforcements along the Ethiopian-Eritrean border, according to regional experts.
Professor Kjetil Tronvoll of Oslo New University College, who specializes in peace and conflict studies, indicates that Tigray’s rebellious leadership and Eritrea appear to be “coordinating” their efforts against Ethiopian forces.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on both Ethiopia and Eritrea to honor the border agreement established 25 years ago, while other regional powers have advocated for diplomatic negotiations.
Meanwhile, verbal confrontations accompany intermittent fighting within Ethiopian borders. Tigrayan officials blame Ethiopian federal forces for conducting drone strikes, while Ethiopia alleges that Eritrea is “actively preparing to wage war against it” and has positioned forces in Tigray, which borders Eritrea.
Eritrea contends that Ethiopia harbors a “long-brewing war agenda” to capture Assab — an accusation that Abiy appeared to validate through his military demonstration in Hawassa, attended by senior government and military leadership.
Following his rise to power, Abiy positioned himself as a philosophical architect of Ethiopian revival. Through his “medemer” concept — an Amharic term meaning strength through unity — the prime minister envisioned what he called a “beautiful symphony of progress.”
Leading the ruling Prosperity Party, Abiy has championed completion of the massive Nile River dam project despite strong Egyptian opposition over water flow concerns. His vision includes transforming Addis Ababa into an attractive capital with green spaces and modern architecture, alongside plans for nuclear energy development and 1.5 million new homes. This year marked the groundbreaking of what would become Africa’s largest airport, a $10 billion project near Addis Ababa.
Yet he confronts two major obstacles: Ethiopia’s status as the world’s most populous landlocked country with over 130 million residents, and ongoing ethnic tensions fueling conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions, where government forces continue battling insurgents.
Pursuing warfare over port access would undermine Abiy’s ambitious development agenda by diverting military personnel and resources to another armed confrontation with Eritrea, whose officials dismiss him as reckless.
Eritrean leaders argue that Abiy’s public provocations serve to distract from domestic difficulties and that his infrastructure initiatives contradict reports of food insecurity affecting parts of Ethiopia. Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s government spokesperson, regularly refers to Abiy’s Prosperity Party as the “Potemkin party.”
In a Monday statement, Gebremeskel accused the party of continuing to “spew and ramp up, at almost every public occasion, toxic and provocative vitriol against the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of neighboring countries.
HAVANA – Cuban Ministry of the Interior leadership disclosed on Friday evening the contents they claim were discovered on a speedboat registered in Florida that engaged in gunfire with military personnel in coastal waters earlier this week, resulting in troops returning fire and fatally shooting four individuals.
Authorities also told The Associated Press that investigators determined the 10 Cuban individuals departed from the United States using two vessels, though one experienced mechanical problems, forcing the group to move all equipment to the operational boat while abandoning the disabled craft.
Government representatives stated that apprehended individuals provided these details during questioning and emphasized that U.S. Coast Guard officials were notified immediately.
Cuban authorities reported finding numerous items on the vessel: twelve high-caliber firearms, one equipped with a telescopic sight; a large cooler containing over 12,800 rounds of ammunition; eleven handguns; military-grade footwear, helmets equipped with recording devices; and tactical backpacks in camouflage patterns.
“We could clearly determine that we were confronting a terrorist operation launched from a vessel originating in the United States,” stated 1st Col. Ivey Daniel Carballo from Cuba’s Border Guard Troops during an interview with the AP.
Carballo explained that their 30-foot patrol vessel spotted the unauthorized craft Wednesday morning and moved to approximately 600 feet away for inspection purposes, but came under attack from high-caliber weapons.
The colonel reported that three attackers died immediately while a fourth sustained injuries and succumbed later.
Carballo noted the speedboat’s position was roughly one mile northeast of Cayo Falcones along the northern coastline. He added that the border guard commander sustained injuries during the encounter.
Victor Eduardo Álvarez Valle, a senior Criminal Investigation official with State Security at the Interior Ministry, informed the AP that authorities were caught off guard by the level of opposition they faced.
“We didn’t expect it, especially with that many people and weapons,” he stated.
“The military equipment found on board has been identified by the assailants, including where and how they acquired it, and the training they received. They also revealed who financed it,” Álvarez continued.
He pointed out that investigators counted 13 bullet impacts on the border patrol vessel and 21 additional strikes on the suspects’ boat, “meaning that there was combat.”
While Cuban officials initially reported Wednesday that one person had been apprehended on shore, Álvarez indicated that currently, no evidence suggests the suspects maintained any assistance network within the island.
Edward Robert Campbell, Cuba’s chief prosecutor within the Attorney General’s Office directorate, informed the AP that the six detained individuals, all of Cuban heritage, may face terrorism accusations carrying potential penalties of three decades imprisonment, life sentences, or capital punishment, though executions have been suspended for over ten years.
The Associated Press received access to Cuban military leadership and viewed the confiscated materials displayed at the former Cuban Institute of Radio and Television facility before a broadcast that presented them publicly for the first time.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this was not an American government operation and confirmed that U.S. officials were conducting their own investigation.
Former Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako has suffered another setback in his legal battle to return to the court, with the Alabama Supreme Court rejecting his latest appeal on Friday.
The 23-year-old center has been fighting through the court system for two months, trying to challenge NCAA eligibility rules that prevent his return to college basketball. His record now stands at one victory and two defeats in Alabama courts.
Bediako’s basketball journey has been complicated. After two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he declared for the 2023 NBA Draft but wasn’t selected. The San Antonio Spurs signed him to a two-way deal, though he was cut before appearing in any NBA games. He then spent portions of three seasons competing in the G League.
The Ontario native from Brampton wanted to return to Alabama and initially succeeded in January when a Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge granted him a temporary restraining order. This legal victory allowed him to rejoin the team despite NCAA restrictions.
During his brief return under the court order, the 7-foot center appeared in five contests, starting twice. He put up solid numbers with 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while Alabama posted a 3-2 record in those matchups.
His playing time ended abruptly on February 9 when a different circuit court judge rejected his request for a preliminary injunction to continue competing. The original judge, James H. Roberts Jr., had stepped aside from the case due to his and his wife’s status as Alabama athletics boosters.
Bediako’s legal team then filed an appeal and requested what they called “interim injunctive relief” earlier this week, hoping to get him back on the court while the appeal process continued. However, the state’s highest court turned down that request, keeping him sidelined for now.
Graphics processing leader Nvidia is developing a specialized processor aimed at helping companies like OpenAI create AI systems that operate with greater speed and efficiency, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Friday that cited sources with knowledge of the project.
The company is working on technology for “inference” computing, which enables artificial intelligence models to process and respond to user questions, the publication reported.
According to sources familiar with the development, Nvidia plans to reveal this new platform during its GTC developer conference scheduled for next month in San Jose, and the system will feature technology from startup company Groq.
Neither Nvidia nor OpenAI provided immediate responses when contacted for verification of the report.
Previous reporting indicated that OpenAI has expressed dissatisfaction with how quickly Nvidia’s current technology can generate responses for ChatGPT users, particularly for complex tasks like software development and AI-to-AI communication.
According to a source, OpenAI requires new hardware that could eventually handle approximately 10% of the company’s inference processing requirements.
The maker of ChatGPT had been exploring partnerships with emerging companies including Cerebras and Groq to obtain faster inference chips, sources revealed. However, Nvidia secured a $20 billion licensing agreement with Groq that ended OpenAI’s negotiations, according to one source.
Last September, Nvidia announced plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI through an arrangement that provided the chipmaker with an ownership stake while giving OpenAI the funding needed to purchase advanced processors.
The artificial intelligence company OpenAI announced Friday that it has secured a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to integrate its AI technology into the military’s classified cloud systems.
Company CEO Sam Altman revealed the collaboration through a social media post, where he commended the defense department’s approach to the partnership.
“In all of our interactions, the DoW displayed a deep respect for safety and a desire to partner to achieve the best possible outcome,” Altman wrote on the social platform X.
The announcement marks a significant step in the integration of commercial AI technology with sensitive government operations and classified military networks.
North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un distributed advanced sniper rifles to top party and military leadership during a Friday ceremony at Workers’ Party headquarters, according to state-run media reports released Saturday.
The North Korean leader described the newly manufactured weapons as exceptional, telling recipients the firearms represent his confidence in them. The rifles were developed by the nation’s Academy of Defence Science and distributed to commemorate the party’s Ninth Congress.
“As was already made public, this new-generation sniper’s rifle our Academy of Defence Science developed and produced is really a wonderful weapon,” Kim stated during the presentation.
Among those receiving the ceremonial weapons were Central Military Commission members, high-ranking Korean People’s Army officers, and security unit commanders. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, also received a rifle and was officially identified for the first time as head of the General Affairs Department within the party’s Central Committee.
State media photographs captured Kim’s teenage daughter, known as Ju Ae, participating in the ceremony and handling a rifle at a shooting facility. The young girl, estimated to be in her early teenage years, has appeared more frequently in official media alongside her father during various inspections, including weapons facility visits.
Intelligence analysts suggest these public appearances indicate Ju Ae may be receiving preparation for eventual leadership of the isolated nation. South Korea’s National Intelligence Agency believes her visible role suggests she now contributes to policy discussions and holds significant influence as the regime’s second-most powerful figure.
Additional photographs showed Kim Yo Jong posing with a rifle next to Hyon Song Wol, a close adviser to Kim Jong Un who maintains ties to the leader’s spouse.
The weapon distribution ceremony concluded North Korea’s week-long Ninth Congress, which ended with a military parade display.
The Pentagon has struck a deal with Scouting America that will preserve the organization’s access to military bases and continued support from the armed forces, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday.
Hegseth stated the agreement requires the youth organization to eliminate what he called “radical woke ideology” from its programs and establish membership criteria “based solely on biological sex at birth.”
However, Scouting America offered a different interpretation of the same deal, maintaining that transgender youth will continue to have a place in the organization that was previously called Boy Scouts of America.
“Our mission and commitment to serving all youth remains unchanged,” the organization declared in a press release describing the agreement, which they said was necessary to maintain their longstanding relationship with the U.S. military.
Scouting America President and CEO Roger Krone emphasized this point further, stating: “We have transgender people in our program, and we’ll have transgender people in our program going forward.”
The youth organization has undergone significant changes in recent years that drew criticism from conservative groups. In 2015, it removed restrictions on openly gay adult leaders and staff members. Two years later, it welcomed its first transgender participant, and in 2018 began accepting girls into its programs. The organization stopped using the “Boy Scouts” designation in 2019, though Girl Scouts of the USA continues as a distinct organization.
According to Hegseth, ongoing military support for Scouting America – including permission to hold national Scout jamborees and other activities on military installations – depends on the organization following the agreement’s requirements.
A key component involves adhering to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14173 from January 2025, which aims to eliminate race and gender-based preferences in policies and programs created under “diversity, equity and inclusion” initiatives.
“That means no more DEI in Scouting, zero,” Hegseth declared.
In his Friday video statement, Hegseth claimed Scouting had abandoned its core purpose as an organization that “develops boys into men,” instead adopting “an insidious radical woke ideology that is anti-America and anti-American.”
“They even welcomed the destructive myth of gender fluidity and transgenderism to infiltrate their membership,” he stated.
To remedy this situation, Hegseth said Scouting America would “modify its policy to make clear that membership will be based solely on biological sex at birth and not gender identity.”
“Any application will have only two sex designations, male and female, and the application must match the applicant’s birth certificate,” he explained.
Hegseth also specified that “biological boys and girls will not be allowed to occupy intimate spaces together, such as toilets, showers and camping tents.”
Krone responded by noting that Scout applications already offer only male or female options and currently request information about birth sex.
“We do not put boys and girls together in intimate spaces and in order to do that we need to have some knowledge of who they are,” Krone stated.
Beyond these changes, Scouting America indicated it has implemented various unspecified “programmatic updates to comply with Executive Order 14173.”
Both parties confirmed additional modifications, including eliminating the “Citizenship in Society” merit badge, which Hegseth characterized as promoting DEI principles, and creating a new “Military Service” merit badge. Registration costs will also be waived for children from active-duty, Guard and Reserve military families.
Since its establishment in 1910, Scouting America has grown into one of the nation’s largest youth organizations, having served approximately 130 million young people throughout its history.
Three public restroom facilities in Lewes are once again available to residents and visitors after being temporarily closed due to winter weather conditions.
City officials announced that facilities at Mary Vessels Park, the Trail Head located at the Lewes Public Library, and Zwaanendael Park have resumed normal operations as of February 27, 2026.
According to the city, municipal staff will conduct daily evaluations to determine when additional public restroom facilities can safely reopen. The decision to reopen more locations will depend on how quickly ice and snow conditions continue to improve throughout the area.
The closures were implemented as a precautionary measure during the recent winter weather event that affected the coastal Delaware region.
Motorists traveling along Lesley Lane are encountering periodic lane restrictions today as construction work continues in the area.
The lane closures are affecting the stretch of Lesley Lane that runs between East Roosevelt Avenue and Morrison Road. DelDOT officials indicate these construction-related restrictions will remain in place until 5 p.m. today.
Drivers are advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes when possible during the affected hours.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball squad continued their flawless start to Northeast Conference competition, defeating D’Youville in straight sets to preserve their unbeaten record.
The Hawks dominated throughout the match, with three offensive players achieving double-digit kill totals in the victory over the Saints. This balanced attacking approach proved too much for D’Youville to handle as UMES controlled the tempo from start to finish.
The comprehensive victory keeps the Hawks’ perfect conference slate intact as they build momentum in Northeast Conference play. The team’s offensive depth was on full display, showcasing the multiple weapons at their disposal.
UMES will look to extend their undefeated conference run as they continue their Northeast Conference schedule in the coming weeks.
A specialized news program from SRN News offers Delaware residents a quick way to stay informed about religious developments worldwide. The daily audio feature, known as “Global Landscape,” presents a compact two-minute overview of faith-related headlines from across the globe.
The program focuses on delivering current information about religious events, community changes, and noteworthy occurrences where spirituality intersects with international news. Listeners can access these brief but comprehensive updates to stay connected with significant religious and cultural movements happening around the world.
Religious freedom advocates are raising alarms about escalating persecution of Christians in Algeria, where government authorities have intensified their crackdown on non-Muslim faith communities. Peter Augustin, who monitors religious liberty issues in the North African nation, informed International Christian Concern that officials have “tightened restrictions on non-Muslim religious groups, making it more difficult for Christians to practice their faith, organize events, or even gather.” The predominantly Muslim country, where 98 percent of residents follow Islam, has shuttered dozens of churches during the past decade. Government forces have also targeted Christian online communities, including dissolving a social media group with approximately 50,000 Christian members in 2024.
Nearly four years following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, American attitudes toward abortion access have shown little change according to recent polling data. Survey results reveal that 63 percent of Americans believe abortion should remain legal under all or most circumstances, while 36 percent think it should be prohibited in all or most situations. Across 34 states plus Washington D.C., more residents favor legal abortion than oppose it. Religious affiliation significantly influences these views, with 86 percent of non-religious Americans supporting abortion rights compared to only 25 percent of Evangelical Protestant believers. Age, political ideology, and gender also play roles in shaping public opinion on the issue.
Israel’s legislative body has given initial approval to proposed legislation that would grant the country’s Orthodox chief rabbinate complete authority over Jerusalem’s Western Wall, sparking concern among liberal Jewish communities about potential restrictions on mixed-gender worship. The Western Wall represents Judaism’s most sacred prayer site globally. While the main courtyard currently restricts access to men only, a smaller area permits men and women to worship together. The proposed measure would classify any prayer activities at the wall that contradict the chief rabbinate’s guidelines as desecration, carrying potential prison sentences of up to seven years.
Following the 2022 Dobbs ruling, individual states continue determining their abortion policies, with many placing these decisions directly before voters through ballot measures. During 2024, citizens in seven states approved constitutional amendments protecting abortion access, while three states rejected similar proposals. Up to four additional states, potentially including Virginia and Nevada, may present abortion-related questions to voters this fall. These ballot initiatives represent one of the limited opportunities for Americans to directly influence policy formation, though approval requirements differ across jurisdictions. Citizen-initiated ballot measures remain available in approximately half of all states.
