South Korean game studios take hit IP offline

South Korean game firms are pushing successful game worlds beyond screens with immersive, in-person experiences, trying to deepen fandom and add new revenue streams that don’t depend on the whims of app stores and algorithm gods.

All Blacks turbulence raises eligibility questions for stars

Reports describe tension and uncertainty around the All Blacks after coach Scott Robertson’s shock dismissal. Ardie Savea could become eligible to represent Samoa under World Rugby stand-down rules despite being contracted to New Zealand Rugby. Hoskins Sotutu, eligible for England or Fiji, has agreed to join Newcastle in 2026, putting his long-term international future in focus.

Philadelphia still has grimy snow piles hanging around

Dirty, lingering heaps of snow remain in parts of Philadelphia, with some spots looking less like winter and more like a low-budget landfill exhibit.

Battle of Hastings narrative challenged by new research

New research argues a key part of the usual Battle of Hastings buildup is implausible, saying King Harold likely traveled south largely by sea after Stamford Bridge rather than marching nearly 200 miles. Professor Tom Licence says the forced-march story traces to a Victorian-era misreading of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and British Museum curator Michael Lewis welcomed the work as a fresh look at Anglo-Saxon naval capability ahead of the Bayeux Tapestry’s London display.

Paroled under youthful offender provision, man gets life for new killing

A California man paroled after serving 25 years for two 1995 murders was sentenced to life in prison for killing his girlfriend, Fatima Johnson, a 53-year-old Los Angeles mother of six. Prosecutors said Darryl Lamar Collins killed her in 2021, about a year after his release, then stole and pawned property for drugs. The case is reigniting scrutiny of early-release policy and parole oversight.

Republicans brace for possible U.S. ground troop deployment in Iran

As the Middle East conflict enters its third week, Republicans are preparing for the possibility that President Trump could deploy U.S. troops on the ground in Iran. The administration is reportedly weighing missions tied to protecting oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and potentially seizing Iranian assets.

“Anticipatory design” case study points to the iPhone

A piece frames the iPhone as an example of anticipatory design, arguing Steve Jobs moved beyond what customers said they wanted—usually a better BlackBerry—and delivered a new device category. It cites Project Purple and the minimalist “glass slab” as design choices still shaping digital products as of 2026.

Nick Offerman joins “The Pout-Pout Fish” animated film

Nick Offerman said he was glad to help bring the grumpy character from the children’s book series “The Pout-Pout Fish” to the big screen, and he didn’t realize how widely known the books were before signing on.

Former CENTCOM Commander Discusses What Deploying U.S. Ground Troops in Iran Could Involve

Former CENTCOM commander Joseph Votel says Pentagon planning for U.S. boots on the ground in Iran—such as seizing Kharg Island or attempting to recover Iran’s enriched uranium—would be feasible but highly risky and resource-intensive. He argues Kharg Island would leave a battalion-sized force vulnerable and offer limited tactical benefit, while an inland mission to secure and remove nuclear material would likely require special operations teams backed by a sizable security force, sustained logistics, air cover, ISR, and specialized handling for roughly 450 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. Votel also warns the broader Operation Epic Fury effort is straining U.S. interceptor and high-end munitions stocks, could affect readiness in other theaters, is being closely studied by China, and may extend for weeks to months—especially if the U.S. must help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

232 U.S. service members wounded since the war with Iran began

A U.S. defense official said that since the U.S. war with Iran began in late February, 232 U.S. service members have been wounded, with most injuries described as minor. The official added that more than 200 of those wounded have returned to duty.

The small-cap Russell 2000 is the first major U.S. index to fall into correction

The small cap-focused Russell 2000 became the first major U.S. benchmark to enter correction territory, reflecting small companies’ heightened sensitivity to swings in oil prices and signs of a slowing economic cycle.

Rumor Claims a Celebrity’s Adult Child Is Stalking a Minor

An unverified blind item alleges that Elijah Blue Allman, described as a celebrity’s offspring, has been stalking an underage girl.

New York Attorney General Sues to Preserve Federal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rules

New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by 40 states, counties, cities, and state agencies, has sued the federal government to block the EPA from repealing its 2009 endangerment finding that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare.

Kent says FBI investigation was used to shift attention from plans for war with Iran

Joe Kent, a former National Counterterrorism Center director, said an FBI investigation into allegations that he leaked classified information was intended to distract the public and recast events, arguing it served to obscure what he described as the Trump administration’s intentions regarding a potential war with Iran.

Teens Are Using AI to Create Slander Videos Targeting Their Teachers

Teens on TikTok and Instagram are using AI tools such as Viggle to make “slander page” videos that mock teachers and, in some cases, falsely depict them in damaging or extremist-themed scenarios, including accusations like calling a teacher a “predator.” Some posts go viral, alarming educators and prompting schools such as Texas’s Wylie ISD to warn of discipline and possible legal consequences, as researchers note a growing gap between online “satire” and real-world harm.

Ohio governor’s race shows Republican candidate trailing Democrat despite major ad spending

Republican presidential candidate and venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy has launched a $10 million advertising blitz in Ohio to improve his image, but a new poll from GOP-aligned Quantus Insights shows him narrowly behind Democrat and former state Health Director Amy Acton in a likely Ohio gubernatorial matchup.

Alabama mother charged after leaving two autistic teens alone overnight before 14-year-old dies in accidental strangulation, police say

Amanda Morgan, 39, was arrested in Mobile County after investigators said she left her two autistic teenagers, ages 14 and 16, alone overnight before the 14-year-old was found dead on Oct. 8, 2025. An autopsy listed the boy’s death as accidental strangulation after he was found with a blanket around his neck, and witnesses described severe neglect in the home, including lack of running water and air conditioning, insect infestation, and human waste. Authorities said the 16-year-old was later hospitalized for malnutrition. Morgan now faces murder and aggravated child abuse charges, with a judge setting bond at $400,000 and $40,000, respectively, and ordering no contact with the surviving child.

Live blog of oral arguments for Wednesday, April 1

On Wednesday, April 1, a live blog will cover the court’s oral arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s order on birthright citizenship. Readers can follow along and participate in the chat without logging in.

Flyers should consider signing KHL free agent center Vitali Pinchuk this offseason

With Philadelphia still seeking help at center, Vitali Pinchuk—this summer’s top KHL free agent—stands out as a low-cost option who could fit the Flyers’ needs. The 24-year-old, 6-foot-3 Dinamo Minsk center has 31 goals and 65 points in 64 games and can sign an NHL deal once Minsk’s season ends. Reports say 29 NHL teams have inquired, and Pinchuk’s combination of size, skill, net-front scoring, and physical play could make him a strong gamble on an entry-level contract, though his NHL impact may hinge on how his skating translates.

Trump persuades Republican primary challenger to end campaign for Colorado House seat

Trump said he met with a Republican challenger to Rep. Jeff Hurd in Colorado and convinced her to drop out of the GOP primary, as party leaders try to avoid a divisive intraparty fight in a House race Democrats are targeting in November.

Trump calls NATO members cowards over lack of support for U.S. military action against Iran

Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for declining to join a U.S. military operation against Iran, calling the alliance a “paper tiger” and accusing members of benefiting from U.S. protection while refusing to help in a crisis. He also urged partners to send naval assets to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid disrupted shipping and higher oil prices, but several countries have favored de-escalation and diplomacy or cited domestic and legal constraints on deploying forces.

A new film will feature an AI-generated version of Val Kilmer after his death

An independent film will use generative AI to create a digital version of Val Kilmer, which will co-star in the project in one of the most prominent uses of artificial intelligence in filmmaking to date.

Capybara Escapes From English Zoo After Arriving One Day Earlier

An English zoo is asking local residents to report any sightings of a capybara that escaped from the facility just one day after it arrived.

Meet Gracie from Home Free Animal Rescue

This week’s Shelter Me segment introduces Gracie, a rescue animal from Home Free Animal Rescue.

A “LinkedIn speak” translator goes viral as layoffs spread

A tongue-in-cheek “LinkedIn speak” translator is going viral as layoffs remain in the spotlight. One user highlighted how the tool rephrased “jail” as a “high-security residency.”

Gossip Claim Says Kelly Osbourne Is Unable to Stop a Weekly Injection Despite Serious Health Risks

A blind-item gossip claim alleges that Kelly Osbourne, described as a foreign-born A-list celebrity, is continuing a weekly injection she supposedly cannot quit, even though it is said to pose a life-threatening risk. The claim adds that the same underlying factor that contributed to her past drug addiction is also driving her inability to stop the injections.

Kent crash leaves two police officers critical, public seriously hurt

Two police officers are in critical condition and a member of the public is seriously injured after a collision in Swanley, Kent, on Thursday around 7:45pm, at the westbound A20 London Road junction with Button Street in Farningham. The crash involved a blue Volkswagen Scirocco and a marked Ford Focus police car responding to an emergency call. All three were taken to a London hospital. Kent Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage, and the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as part of the mandatory process.

Kent meningitis outbreak reaches 29 cases with two reported deaths

A meningitis outbreak in Kent has been linked to 29 cases so far, with two deaths reported. A doctor warned about the seriousness of the situation and outlined what makes this outbreak unusual, as health officials track spread and stress rapid recognition and treatment.

Trump weighs Iran options that could include U.S. ground troops and a Kharg Island move

Donald Trump is reportedly considering options that could put U.S. troops on the ground in Iran, including plans to occupy or blockade Kharg Island to disrupt Tehran’s key oil export hub and help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios. Iran warned it would retaliate against oil and gas facilities in any country used to launch U.S. strikes and could target U.S.-linked industrial sites across the Middle East, while Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu raised the prospect of ground action aimed at toppling Iran’s leadership. Because nothing says “stability” like turning the world’s most combustible shipping lane into a live-fire group project.

Dancing restaurant robot malfunctions, sends dishes flying

A video circulating on China’s Rednote shows a dancing robot performance in a hot pot restaurant going wrong, with the machine smashing plates and flinging dishware and chopsticks mid-routine. The future has arrived, and it is aggressively under-tested.

Bloody Sunday’s aftermath widened fractures inside the Civil Rights Movement

New analysis argues the aftermath of Bloody Sunday intensified rifts within the interracial Civil Rights Movement, exposing disputes over strategy and leadership and over whose sacrifices were centered publicly. It notes Black victims were often sidelined into historical footnotes even as the movement’s story was being written in real time.

Meta keeps Horizon Worlds alive after backlash, pivots toward mobile

Meta has reversed course on shutting down Horizon Worlds in VR following user backlash, keeping the platform running while shifting its strategy toward mobile growth and a broader user base. Translation: when your VR “metaverse” party is empty, you walk it over to where the people already are.

Route 73 partially closed after crash involving car and tractor-trailer in New Jersey

A serious crash involving a car and a tractor-trailer closed part of Route 73 in Burlington County, New Jersey, on Friday morning. Authorities have not released further details in the summary provided.

Privacy-focused mobile carrier Cape raises $100 million

Cape raised $100 million to expand its privacy-focused mobile virtual network operator service, offering mobile connectivity designed to protect consumers, businesses, and government customers from cellular security threats. In a world where your phone is basically a wearable tracking device with a screen, “privacy-first” is either a business plan or a cry for help.

Netanyahu says a ground invasion may be needed to topple Iran’s regime as the war escalates

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a ground invasion of Iran may be required to topple the Islamic Republic, arguing the regime is at its weakest point after four weeks of “Operation Epic Fury.” He said a “ground component” would be needed alongside the US-Israeli offensive, with reports that President Trump is considering support involving thousands of troops, though Trump publicly denied plans to deploy forces. Proposed options cited include seizing Kharg Island to disrupt oil exports and securing stocks of highly enriched uranium. Iran has struck energy facilities across the Gulf in retaliation for Israeli attacks, while the UK has resisted deeper involvement but is increasing defensive support to Gulf states, including RAF sorties and air-defence deployments.

Asda cuts the price of its meningitis vaccine to encourage more vaccinations

Asda has reduced the price of its meningitis vaccine in an effort to boost uptake and get more people vaccinated. The vaccine can take up to two weeks to become fully effective.

Gatland Supports New Wales Appointment as Irish Player Faces Assault Charge

A rugby news roundup from Wales and elsewhere reports that Warren Gatland has backed a new appointment within the Wales setup, while an Irish player described as a "giant" has been charged with assault.

International Operation Disrupts Aisuru and Kimwolf DDoS Botnets

An international operation has disrupted the Aisuru and Kimwolf DDoS botnets, while also targeting the lesser-known JackSkid and Mossad botnets.

EU leaders angry as Orbán maintains veto on Ukraine loan package

EU leaders are expressing anger as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán continues to block a proposed loan package for Ukraine. The newsletter also features John Bolton arguing that conflict with Iran is primarily a European concern, alongside excerpts from interviews with Bulgaria’s prime minister, Ukraine’s finance minister, and Israel’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva.

Can you take on an impossible task while you’re here?

The piece introduces The Register’s weekly “On Call” column, which shares reader-submitted tech support tales, including a story about a security team whose strict fear of USB devices helps prevent someone from getting away with something.

Trump Hosts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for Dinner at the White House

President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for dinner at the White House on Thursday, highlighting the close relationship between the United States and Japan.

Ten EU Countries Push Back Against the EU Emissions Trading System: What Happens Next?

Ten EU member states are openly opposing the EU’s flagship climate policy, the Emissions Trading System, or ETS. The dispute is fueling a growing political backlash and raising questions about how the ETS works, why some governments are resisting it, and what options the EU has to respond and keep its climate plans on track.

Council issues parking tickets to land speed record centenary celebration attendees

Sefton Council traffic wardens issued parking tickets to vehicles gathering at Ainsdale Beach in Southport to mark 100 years since Sir Henry Segrave’s Sunbeam Tiger set a world land speed record in Britain. After criticism that it had embarrassed itself, the council rescinded many of the tickets, which had included cars belonging to the Sunbeam Tiger’s current owner and the High Sheriff of Merseyside. The three-day Segrave 100 event also drew complaints that organisers were charged for opening public toilets and for refreshments provided to the mayor’s party.

Essex Police pauses live facial recognition after bias findings

Essex Police has halted its use of live facial recognition cameras after testing suggested the system identified Black people more often than other ethnicities, and men more often than women. A University of Cambridge study of one deployment found Black people were 27 percent more likely to be identified than other groups, and 31 percent more likely than white people, prompting fairness concerns despite a low false-flag rate. The force says it worked with the vendor to update the algorithm, revised procedures, and will monitor results before redeploying.

Tenerife hit by Storm Therese, snow, flight disruption, and orange alert

Tenerife has seen snow at higher elevations as Storm Therese brings heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. An orange alert remains in effect, with significant snowfall expected above 1,800 to 2,000 metres, including areas around Teide National Park. The storm has triggered flight cancellations and diversions, closures at some nurseries and preschools, and restrictions on outdoor activities, with flooding, high-wave, and wind warnings through the weekend.

Pennsylvania parent urges safeguards after AI-generated nude video scare at Radnor High School

Audrey Greenberg says her family was traumatized after an AI-generated nude video involving Radnor High School students spread online, and she is calling for stronger safeguards. Governor Josh Shapiro held a roundtable with parents, educators, students, and lawmakers on AI risks and prevention, while the district reiterated that non-consensual image creation is unacceptable and said it will educate students about AI. The superintendent later said police did not find the alleged images and warned that social media rumors were worsening harm. Greenberg argues schools and law enforcement need clearer protocols and better tools to protect victims.

Spring arrives in the Philadelphia region with a weekend warmup

Spring officially begins Friday morning in the Philadelphia area, with a noticeable warmup expected to continue through the weekend.

March Madness boosts Philadelphia hotel demand

Philadelphia hotels are seeing strong demand as the city hosts the NCAA tournament for the 29th time, and welcomes its first tournament games since 2022.

Kent health officials probe mutated meningococcal strain amid Canterbury outbreak

Health officials are investigating whether a mutated group B meningococcal strain is contributing to a large meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, Kent. Scientists are sequencing samples to look for genetic changes that could increase transmissibility, though close-contact behavior at suspected superspreader nights at Club Chemistry, including kissing or sharing vapes and drinks, may also explain the spread. Cases have risen to 27 with two deaths. Attendees are urged to seek antibiotics and vaccination, and vaccines are being offered at local schools and universities amid reported capacity issues.

UK government to use public funds to clean up major illegal waste dumps

The government says it will intervene and spend public funds to clean up some of the largest illegal waste dumps in England.

European cloud trade group asks EU to block Broadcom from ending VMware partner program

CISPE, a trade group representing smaller European cloud providers, has asked the European Commission to impose interim measures to stop Broadcom from terminating the VMware Cloud Service Provider program. CISPE says the shutdown, plus alleged price hikes and tougher contract terms since Broadcom acquired VMware, could strip hundreds of providers of authorization to resell VMware services, cutting customer choice and threatening some firms. Broadcom disputes the claims and says it remains committed to supporting European partners.

GOP war funding math gets ugly

Republicans in Congress are increasingly unsure they can fund a potential Iran war on their own as projected costs balloon into the hundreds of billions. A bipartisan rescue mission looks unlikely, with more Democrats calling it an unpopular war, and with regional tensions and energy prices rising.

The Guardian edits a column after antisemitism complaints

The Guardian revised a Jonathan Liew column about a Gail’s bakery branch after complaints from readers, Jewish staff, and company leadership that it echoed antisemitic tropes and downplayed vandalism treated by police as hate crimes. Editors removed and repositioned language tying the bakery to claims about Bain Capital links to Israeli security firms, deleted a line seen as minimizing attacks, and replaced the original standfirst, while protests and internal criticism followed anyway.

Nottingham Forest find a rare bright spot in Europe

Nottingham Forest are battling to stay in the Premier League, but a run to the Europa League quarter-finals has given the club momentum and a morale boost during an otherwise grim season.

Philadelphia gets spring, delivered on schedule for once

AccuWeather says spring arrives Friday morning in the Philadelphia region, bringing a noticeable warmup through the weekend—a brief annual reminder that weather can occasionally be pleasant before it resumes its usual chaos.

Strava, now featuring aircraft carrier tracking

A French naval officer’s public Strava run logged a 7-kilometer loop around the deck of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, effectively broadcasting the ship’s near real-time position in the eastern Mediterranean. Investigators matched the geolocation data to satellite imagery, and French military leadership acknowledged the operational security breach, said it violated protocol, and signaled corrective or disciplinary action.

FDA recall notice flags cybersecurity risk in GE imaging systems

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a recall notice for certain GE Healthcare Centricity medical imaging products over a potential cybersecurity vulnerability that could allow data manipulation or disrupt system availability—which is exactly what you want near clinical decisions.

Cybersecurity roundup, featuring Fancy Bear and Interpol’s IP purge

This week’s breach roundup spotlights an operational security lapse tied to Russia-linked Fancy Bear, Telus disclosing a breach, and Interpol disrupting roughly 45,000 malicious IP addresses. Also noted: Microsoft Windows hotpatching, an FTP exploit, a foiled attack on a nuclear research center, China-linked espionage activity, and an FBI search for an ATM jackpotting suspect.

Xbow raises $120M to automate penetration testing

Xbow raised $120 million in Series C funding to scale its autonomous AI-based penetration testing platform, claiming it can outperform human testers. The company argues AI-driven attacks are pushing enterprises toward continuous testing instead of periodic checkups, because nothing says “modern security” like running faster on the treadmill while the building is on fire.

DOJ warns Anthropic guardrail changes are a defense risk

In a new court filing, the Justice Department argues Anthropic’s ability to modify AI guardrails and behavior after deployment creates supply-chain and operational control risks for mission-critical defense systems. The filing frames continued vendor access as a reliability and security hazard that could enable manipulation or cause failures in defense operations.

BTS reunion set to draw major crowds in Seoul

Seoul is preparing for large crowds as BTS reunites for a performance featuring RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. It will be their first time performing together since October 2022, and the city is bracing accordingly.

White House says no export limits on oil and gas (for now)

The Trump administration says it will not impose limits on U.S. oil or natural gas exports despite rising energy prices tied to the war in Iran. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued matching statements saying there is no plan to implement export restrictions.

U.S. F-35 makes emergency landing after Iran mission

A U.S. F-35 made an emergency landing Thursday after a combat mission over Iran. Iranian forces claimed they hit the aircraft, though no independent confirmation was provided.

Pentagon weighs sending more troops to the Middle East

The Pentagon is considering additional U.S. troop deployments to the Middle East, where about 50,000 American personnel are already stationed, as planners discuss options that could broaden U.S. involvement, including possible operations involving Iran. The size and mission of any deployment remain under discussion, marking a shift from recent claims the conflict was close to being won.

Poll: Americans expect ground war in Iran, almost nobody wants it

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 65% of Americans believe President Donald Trump will order troops into a large-scale ground war in Iran, while only 7% say they support such a move.

Analysts warn Iran conflict could spark energy shock and recession risk

Analysts warn a prolonged Iran-related conflict could tip economies toward recession after attacks spread to key energy infrastructure, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility. After Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Iran’s reported retaliation across Gulf oil and gas sites, UK gas prices jumped more than 20% and oil rose as high as $119 a barrel before easing. UK officials and the Bank of England flagged higher energy costs as an inflation risk, with some forecasts suggesting inflation could surge and growth could contract if disruption persists, especially if repairs at Ras Laffan take years.

Sadiq Khan says UK rejoining the EU is “inevitable,” opponents call it fantasy

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the UK’s return to the European Union is “inevitable” and laid out a five-point plan, arguing Brexit has caused major economic, social and cultural damage. Reform UK’s Richard Tice dismissed the idea as “ridiculous,” saying the EU is weighed down by bureaucracy and regulation and that Britain should remain sovereign. The exchange also touched on Labour’s position of not rejoining the EU customs union, alongside debate about closer single market alignment.

Bar owner to Chancellor Reeves: “Give us a chance,” as costs climb and customers fade

A Leeds bar owner urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to “give us a chance,” saying bills have surged while customers visit less often and spend less. Outside In owner Simon Doswell blamed Budget uncertainty, higher energy and beer costs, worries about business rates, and called for measures like stabilising energy prices, greater use of North Sea resources, and removing VAT on energy to help hospitality survive.

James Comey subpoenaed in case alleging anti-Trump misconduct by Democrats

Former FBI Director James Comey has been subpoenaed in a wide-ranging case tied to claims by the Trump administration that Democratic officials unlawfully manipulated investigations and prosecutions to undermine Donald Trump from his 2016 election through his federal indictments in 2023.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 4” announces new cast

Paramount Pictures announced new cast members for “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” including Matt Berry, Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman, and Richard Ayoade.

Body found in Barcelona near where missing U.S. college student was last seen

A body has been found in Barcelona near the area where college student James Gracey was last seen after going missing during spring break.

Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage to begin 2026 on injured list

The Toronto Blue Jays said Thursday that Trey Yesavage will start the 2026 season on the injured list.

NFL, Private Pilot Edition

Cornerback Jonathan Jones says he flew his own plane to Philadelphia to sign a one-year deal with the Eagles—because why just travel to free agency when you can also casually flex a pilot’s license.

Administration Messaging, Now in Contradiction Flavor

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump launched war with Tehran because Iran was “closer and closer” to nuclear capability, which neatly collides with DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s earlier testimony that U.S. strikes had already “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Apparently the new strategic doctrine is “pick one,” but only after saying both.

Tariffs as a Stress Test for Economic Reality

Trump’s tariff approach is framed as a challenge to core economic logic, effectively putting much of the global trading system under scrutiny, including the United States’ own role in shaping it. Nothing says “confidence” like reopening the entire instruction manual mid-flight.

GNUnet 0.27 Ships With a Side of Caution

GNUnet 0.27 has been released as an updated free software framework for decentralized, peer-to-peer networking, but the release comes with significant warnings and limitations users should weigh before deploying.

Airline Loyalty Programs Adjust to a Region on Fire

Etihad and Qatar Airways changed loyalty program requirements amid reduced air travel and flight disruptions linked to the Iran war. Even points and miles can’t out-fly geopolitics.

Trump Hosts Japan’s Sanae Takaichi for Extended Summit

Trump was scheduled to host Japan’s Sanae Takaichi at the White House for an extended summit during her first U.S. visit, with Iran and China expected to be key topics.

Illinois Democrat Backs Ending the Filibuster

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, the Democratic nominee to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin, said she would “absolutely support” abolishing the Senate filibuster—the procedure that often forces a 60-vote threshold to advance legislation instead of a simple majority.

U.S. Weighs Letting Iranian Oil Flow, On the Water at Least

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. may lift sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea, potentially releasing about 140 million barrels as energy prices rise amid ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East.

National Debt Hits $39 Trillion, Like It Was Inevitable

The U.S. national debt passed $39 trillion, a new record reached about five months after crossing $38 trillion, as additional spending pressures build amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Gulf Energy Hubs Face Rising Strike Risk

More frequent and increasingly damaging strikes on major Gulf energy hubs are unsettling supply and exposing regional vulnerabilities, raising the risk of prolonged disruptions to global LNG availability.

Chinese Car Brands Surge in UK Lease Interest

Chinese models accounted for 18.1% of UK lease enquiries so far in 2026, up from 9.2% in 2025, with BYD, Omoda, MG, GWM, and Leapmotor drawing attention for lower EV prices, long ranges, and strong onboard tech. Analysts say Chinese manufacturers are undercutting many European rivals, with average monthly lease payments about 27% lower, and more Chinese brands are expected to enter as the 2030 zero-emission mandate approaches.

White House Says No to Privatized Cyberattacks

Senior White House officials said the Trump administration is not considering cyber “letters of marque” and does not plan to authorize private companies to conduct cyberattacks on behalf of the U.S. government, pushing back on speculation about outsourcing offensive cyber operations.

Mother arrested after unrestrained 1-year-old falls from pickup truck and is fatally run over in Baton Rouge gas station parking lot, police say

Baton Rouge police say Elizabeth Aguilar, 22, was arrested after her 1-year-old son, Nicholas Aguilar, fell from a Dodge Ram pickup as she turned out of a Murphy USA gas station parking lot near the Amazon fulfillment center on Cortana Place on Feb. 20. Investigators say the child was in the rear passenger seat without a car seat or other restraint, and the door opened during the turn. He was then run over by the truck’s rear passenger-side tire and later died at a hospital. Aguilar is charged with negligent homicide, failure to use a child passenger restraint system, and lack of insurance and registration. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

World Happiness Report links social media to lower well-being and ranks Finland as the happiest country

The World Happiness Report links social media to negative well-being trends and again places Finland at the top of its happiness rankings. It also notes a sharp decline over the past decade in life evaluations among people under 25 in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Hegseth and Caine to Brief on Day 20 of Operation Epic Fury After Iranian Strikes on Gulf Energy Sites

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine are scheduled to brief the media early Thursday as Operation Epic Fury reaches Day 20. The briefing follows Iranian strikes on an oil facility in Saudi Arabia and a liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar.

Owner Says Canterbury Nightclub Linked to Meningitis Outbreak Will Remain Closed Until It Is Safe

A Canterbury nightclub in Kent linked to a deadly meningitis outbreak will not reopen until safety can be assured, according to its owner.

Morrisons Confirms a Meningitis Case at Its Kent Depot Amid a Wider Outbreak

Morrisons has confirmed a case of meningitis at its depot in Kent as the county faces a broader outbreak. The announcement follows official figures showing an increase in confirmed and suspected meningitis cases across Kent.

New iPhone exploit can steal messages, emails, and location data from millions of devices within seconds

A hacking technique known as “DarkSword” is reported to bypass iPhone security protections and rapidly extract sensitive personal information, including messages, emails, and location data, potentially affecting millions of devices.

A President Without a Clear Plan

The Economist reports that while President Donald Trump claims he has “destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability,” the remaining disruption is still rattling the global economy by restricting roughly 10 to 15% of the world’s oil supply.

Trump Warns He Would Severely Damage Major Gas Field if Iran Attacks Qatar Again

Trump issued a late Wednesday warning to Iran against further attacks on Qatar after Iran struck key energy facilities in neighboring Gulf states, following an Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars natural gas field. In a Truth Social post, Trump said Israel “violently lashed out” at the South Pars site and threatened to “massively blow up” a major gas field if Iran targets Qatar again.

Why more North Sea oil drilling is unlikely to reduce Europe’s high energy bills

Rising tensions in the Middle East have renewed calls for the UK to issue new North Sea drilling licences, but critics argue that expanding offshore oil production would not meaningfully lower Europe’s energy costs.

Most Republican Voters Support Military Action Against Iran, Poll Finds

A J.L. Partners survey reports that 83% of likely Republican voters strongly or somewhat support Operation Epic Fury and military action against Iran, while 9% strongly or somewhat oppose it.