Medusa ransomware group claims attacks on major Mississippi hospital and New Jersey county

The Medusa ransomware operation says it attacked the largest hospital in Mississippi, disrupting its systems for nine days, and also claimed an attack on a county government in New Jersey.

Kid Rock reacts to Conan O’Brien’s joke about an alternative Oscars

Kid Rock responded after Conan O’Brien, in his opening monologue, joked about an “alternate Oscars,” taking a swipe at Turning Point USA for staging its own “All-American” halftime show featuring Kid Rock.

Meningitis outbreak declared a national incident after a sharp rise in infections

A meningitis outbreak has been declared a national incident after an “unprecedented” rise in cases, with the UKHSA and the NHS escalating the response following 15 confirmed infections linked to Kent, including two deaths and 13 people still in hospital. A first case outside Kent was confirmed in London, and a nine-month-old baby is critically ill with the same meningitis B strain. Health authorities are mobilising staff and supplies, launching targeted vaccination for University of Kent students in halls, and urging people linked to Club Chemistry events to take preventive antibiotics while the bacteria is genome-sequenced to assess whether vaccines will be effective.

Blind Item #7: Rumors About an A-List Singer’s Substance Use and Behavior

A blind item claims that a well-known pop singer has been having casual sexual encounters and escalating meth use, sometimes mixing it with whiskey shots. The item is presented as an allegation and is speculatively linked to Britney Spears, with a vague mention of an arrest.

United Farm Workers cancels Cesar Chavez celebration after troubling allegations surface

The United Farm Workers has canceled a planned celebration honoring Cesar Chavez following what it called “deeply troubling” allegations. Chavez founded the United Farm Workers of America and spent his life advocating for farm workers’ rights until his death in 1993.

Woman flew 300 miles to confront a scammer posing as a major bank after losing £17,000

Rhonda Montgomery from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, lost £17,000 after fraudsters impersonating Revolut staff convinced her to move money into a “temporary” account that was not in her name. After discovering thousands had been withdrawn and struggling to get immediate help through online support, she traced an address linked to the account, flew to England, and went to a Cambridge home to confront those connected to it, finding the named account holder was not there. Revolut said it regretted her experience and agreed to reimburse £9,000 sent to the criminals, alongside about £4,000 in fraudulent card payments she had already recovered, as experts warned impersonation scams are increasingly sophisticated and widespread in the UK.

AWS Drops Standard Support for PostgreSQL 13 on RDS While Urging Customers to Upgrade

AWS has ended standard support for PostgreSQL 13 on RDS, pushing customers who want to remain on a supported version to upgrade to PostgreSQL 14 or later.

Cesar Chavez Celebrations Canceled After Allegations Emerge, Union Says

The union founded by Cesar Chavez said it will not hold celebrations for the March 31 holiday honoring the labor leader after what it described as a deeply troubling allegation came to light.

Macron says France may join Hormuz ship escorts once tensions ease

Macron says France is not ready to act immediately to reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite Trump’s calls for swift intervention, but he leaves the door open to joining an international naval escort mission once the fighting subsides and the situation is calmer.

Two popular Folkestone shops to close after finances become unsustainable

Two well-known shops in Folkestone are set to close, including one that opened following a fatal hit-and-run. The team said they kept going out of passion, but their finances ultimately made continuing impossible.

UK Companies House Data Exposure Affected Millions of Companies

UK Companies House confirmed a security vulnerability that could have been exploited to access company information and potentially alter official records, exposing details linked to millions of firms.

Cleanup Begins After Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage and Power Outages Across the Region

Cleanup is underway across the region after strong storms on Monday caused widespread damage and left thousands without power, with crews working to restore electricity.

WWE Raw: Oba Femi to Face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania

On WWE Raw, Oba Femi answered Brock Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania 42 by confronting Lesnar and attacking him, setting up a match between the two at the event.

Old City Venue Hosts St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Fundraiser for Judge Jimmy Lynn

An Old City establishment is holding a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast fundraiser for Judge Jimmy Lynn, featuring live music, dance, art, and an Irish breakfast buffet.

Portugal launches an EU app to speed up border checks

Portugal has introduced a European Union app that lets travellers pre-register their details up to 72 hours before arrival, aiming to reduce border delays during the busy season as the new Entry/Exit System, or EES, is rolled out.

Four Injured, Including a Firefighter, in Two-Alarm Rowhome Fire in Philadelphia’s Germantown

Four people, including one firefighter, were injured in a two-alarm fire that broke out in a rowhome in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood on Tuesday morning.

Building a NASM-Style SDK for Z80 and Other Retro CPUs

From 8086 to Z80: Building a NASM-Inspired SDK for 8-Bit Retro Computing describes the HC SDK, a toolchain created to bring NASM-like assembly syntax to retro processors after its developer found existing Z80 assemblers didn’t match NASM’s style. The project offers source and prebuilt releases for macOS, Windows, and several BSDs and Linux. It currently targets the 8080, 8085, 8086, and Z80, with 6502 support in progress and plans to expand toward higher-level language support.

MLS Suspends Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner After Misconduct Investigation

MLS has suspended Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner without pay until June 1 after finding he violated the league’s conduct rules following a misconduct investigation.

South Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Selling $200,000 in Fake Jason Kelce-Signed Memorabilia

A South Philadelphia man was sentenced for attempting to sell more than $200,000 worth of counterfeit memorabilia falsely claiming Jason Kelce’s signature, and he will not serve jail time.

Lunar halo in the night sky may signal approaching wet weather in Britain

Britons may sometimes see a pale, luminous ring around the moon known as a lunar halo, which can indicate an approaching weather front. Astronomy expert Alan Jones of 365 Astronomy says the halo forms when moonlight refracts through tiny ice crystals in high cirrus clouds, bending light at about 22 degrees to create the circle. These halos often appear 12 to 36 hours before rain, snow, or sleet, though not every sighting leads to a storm, and observers are advised to check forecasts. Best viewing conditions include a bright, near-full moon, thin high cloud, low light pollution, and steady smartphone settings such as night mode or long exposure.

KiKi Shepard, co-host of "Showtime at the Apollo," dies at 74

KiKi Shepard has died at 74. She was known for her work on "Showtime at the Apollo," filmed at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, as well as appearances on "Baywatch" and "A Different World."

Eid shoppers flock to malls as Gulf e-commerce slows

With Eid al-Fitr approaching, disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian attacks have delayed clothing deliveries across the Gulf, pushing shoppers toward in-store purchases. Saudi point-of-sale transactions rose 11% week on week to 16.1 billion riyals, while spending on clothing and apparel jumped 31.7% to 2.5 billion riyals. Retailers report Eid inventory stuck in transit, social media users complain about delayed fast-fashion orders, and some cargo is being rerouted as shipping firms pause routes.

Tracebit Raises $20 Million for Cloud-Native Deception Technology

Tracebit has raised $20 million to expand its cloud-native deception technology offerings, scale its products, enter new markets, and grow its marketing and engineering teams.

Kent Woman Shares Bacterial Meningitis Experience After Two Deaths in County Outbreak

A woman in Kent has described her experience with bacterial meningitis amid an outbreak in the county that has resulted in two deaths, including an 18-year-old and a University of Kent student.

All Living Former U.S. Presidents Deny Speaking With Trump

On Monday, President Donald Trump said he had spoken with a former president about U.S. military strikes in Iran, but representatives for every living former president said no such conversation occurred.

Woman says job application was withdrawn because her car was considered too old

An 18-year-old from Nottinghamshire, Alanah Thompson French, says her application for a trainee lettings negotiator role at haart in Nottingham was withdrawn after she disclosed she drives a 2014 Citroën C1, which does not meet the company’s requirement for staff to have access to a car less than 10 years old. She said the policy is unfair to younger applicants who cannot easily afford or insure newer vehicles, while haart said the rule is intended to protect employee safety by reducing the risk of breakdowns. Her mother and an employment lawyer said the criterion could disproportionately exclude younger and less affluent candidates, and Thompson French says she will continue applying for property roles.

Sale Sharks winger Obi Ene signs for Newcastle Red Bulls

Sale Sharks winger Obi Ene has signed for Newcastle Red Bulls for the 2026–27 season, becoming the club’s 18th new recruit.

Trump Faces Growing Isolation From Allies on Iran

Trump is increasingly isolated over Iran as key U.S. allies hesitate to support a conflict he initiated without consulting or notifying them. After publicly dismissing some partners’ past military contributions, he is encountering reluctance to join fighting that remains intense and is unpopular in many allied countries.

Promo code offers £50 off all-inclusive Eurocamp holidays

A promotional code provides £50 off all-inclusive Eurocamp breaks and can be used at more than 200 parcs.

HMS Dragon arrives in Gibraltar a week after being deployed to help defend Cyprus

HMS Dragon reached Gibraltar this morning while en route to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, after being dispatched to the Eastern Mediterranean on March 3 following Iranian drone attacks on the base. Naval sources say the Type 45 destroyer is not expected to arrive in Cyprus until at least next Monday, prompting questions about the UK’s speed of response.

Devin Haney Responds to The Ring Podcast Remark About Disliking Boxing Sanctioning Bodies

Devin Haney objected to the use of the word “hate” to describe boxing’s sanctioning bodies during a debate on The Ring podcast. The discussion, featuring Mike Coppinger, Max Kellerman, and Doug Fischer, focused on whether sanctioning bodies still matter as new concepts like a proposed Zuffa belt are floated.

Thousands of young people in northern England are missing out on up to £2,900 in Child Trust Fund savings, with research by the Share Foundation finding higher rates of unclaimed accounts in the North than in southern regions. The North East has the worst rate nationally, with 23.1% of Child Trust Funds unclaimed and the highest share of accounts automatically set up by HMRC. Across northern England, around 216,000 young adults are owed about £285 million in forgotten funds, including 94,000 from low-income households, who face much higher unclaimed rates despite typically smaller balances. The Share Foundation says many account holders are unaware the money exists and points to its free online tool as a way to trace and claim the savings.

Israel says it has carried out new strikes on Tehran and Beirut as the Iran war enters its 18th day. Donald Trump said operations in Iran are going “very well,” even as global oil prices rise amid Iranian attacks and shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Washington says it is working to form a coalition to help secure the waterway and restore maritime traffic.

Ukraine Attacks Two Major Russian Aircraft Facilities

Ukraine attacked two major Russian aviation facilities in recent days using long-range, one-way attack drones, targeting the Aviastar aircraft plant in Ulyanovsk and the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa. The strikes appear aimed at disrupting Russia’s military aviation production and maintenance, particularly sites linked to transport aircraft.

Iranian Women Footballers Train with Australian Club After Seeking Asylum

Two Iranian women footballers who have sought asylum in Australia are training with Brisbane Roar. They are among several players who stayed in the country during the Women’s Asian Cup after being labelled “traitors” in Iran for not singing the national anthem.

Europe Pushes Back Against U.S. Pressure to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Europe is resisting U.S. pressure to push for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The newsletter also features interviews with European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Europe Today.

Scientists develop underwear that tracks intestinal gas

Researchers have built sensor-equipped underwear to monitor intestinal gas. Early findings from the wearable suggest the average person passes gas about 32 times a day.

From Restaurant Closures to Four-Day Weeks: Hidden Effects of Global Reliance on Fossil Fuels

From closed restaurants to four-day weeks, the unseen fallout of global fossil fuel dependence is showing up across Asia and Australia, where petrol stations are running out of fuel and rising flight prices are adding pressure to households and businesses.

Officials provide new details on a deadly meningitis outbreak in Kent that killed two students

Officials have revealed new details about a deadly meningitis outbreak in Kent that left two students dead, confirming that the strain involved in several cases is group B meningococcal disease, or MenB. The UK Health Security Agency said it will confirm the nature of other cases once full results are available. Since March 13, 13 cases have been confirmed and two people have died, including a Year 13 pupil in Faversham and a University of Kent student. UKHSA is urging anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5 and 7 to come forward for precautionary antibiotics, while advice has been issued to 16,000 university staff and students and antibiotic collection sites have been set up. The university has cancelled in-person exams this week and the student union has called off events.

Afghan government says Pakistan strike on Kabul hospital killed at least 400

Afghanistan’s government accused Pakistan of carrying out an airstrike on a hospital in Kabul, saying at least 400 people were killed and 250 injured.

South Korea Debates the Future of Domestic Intelligence

Debate is growing in South Korea over the role of domestic intelligence, as officials and lawmakers argue over how it should be managed after the country’s main spy agency gave up that responsibility.

Grammar school pupil dies in Kent meningitis outbreak as family say they are ‘beyond devastated’

An 18-year-old sixth-form student, Juliette, has died amid a meningitis outbreak in Kent. Her family said they are “beyond devastated” and asked that her surname not be published. Juliette, a pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, died on Saturday, and the school said it is working with the UK Health Security Agency to protect the community. The outbreak has been linked to dates at the Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury, and UKHSA has urged attendees to collect preventive antibiotics and watch for symptoms. A 21-year-old University of Kent student has also died, and others have been seriously ill.

North Korea and China Move Toward Reopening Border Trade

North Korea and China are showing signs of improving relations, as they appear to be taking steps to restore cross-border customs and restart border trade.

Afghanistan says Pakistani strike hit a hospital and killed hundreds; Pakistan denies it

Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of killing hundreds in an attack it says struck a hospital. Pakistan rejected the claim, saying it did not target any health facility and that its strikes were aimed at military installations.

AccuWeather tracks severe storms tonight with live radar

AccuWeather is tracking severe storms tonight with live radar as a powerful cold front moves through. After the front passes, St. Patrick’s Day highs are expected to reach only the low 40s.

Former Hegseth aide accused of leaking classified intelligence hired by ODNI

An administration official said Dan Caldwell, a former senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who was escorted out of the Pentagon in April amid accusations of leaking classified information, has been hired by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

HD Hyundai Celebrates 54 Years and Becomes a $120 Billion Shipbuilding Company

Marking its 54th anniversary, South Korea’s HD Hyundai has grown into a shipbuilding powerhouse valued around $120 billion. The company traces its origins to founder Chung Ju-yung, who famously used a South Korean banknote depicting a historic turtle ship to help persuade a British lender to provide early financing.

Bank develops its own threat-hunting agent as security vendors lag behind new threats

Australia’s Commonwealth Bank has built in-house, agentic AI threat-hunting tools, saying commercial vendors are moving too slowly to address emerging AI-driven attacks. The bank reports AI increased weekly threat-signal processing from about 80 million to 400 billion and reduced incident response time from roughly two days to around 30 minutes.

South Korean judges face complaints under new ‘distortion of justice’ law

South Korea’s judiciary is facing a wave of criminal complaints under a newly implemented offense called “distortion of justice,” prompting concern about its impact on judges and the independence of the courts.

Operation Rice Bowl, a Global Lenten Tradition, Began at an Allentown Parish

Operation Rice Bowl is now observed worldwide during Lent, and it began as a local initiative at a parish in Allentown before growing into a global tradition.

Judge Blocks Kennedy’s Changes to Vaccine Schedule and CDC Advisory Committee

A federal judge on Monday halted the implementation of any votes or changes made by a CDC vaccine committee that was reshaped by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., preventing those actions from taking effect.

Seoul Considers Trump’s Request for a Naval Mission in the Strait of Hormuz

South Korea’s presidential office said it is reviewing a request from President Donald Trump to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that any decision would come only after thorough consultations with the United States.

Blind Item #41 (Oscars)

The gossip mill claims an unnamed, low-profile celebrity offspring attended the Oscars and avoided cocaine and alcohol, plus a bonus drive-by insisting Lyme disease wasn’t involved either. Which is a very normal amount of medical detail to volunteer about a stranger at a fancy dress party.

Report, Oscar-winning actress skipped ceremony for tennis player

A foreign-born, Oscar-winning actress reportedly ditched the ceremony to spend time with a tennis player she’s romantically involved with and financially supports. Nothing says “true love” like funding someone’s forehand while your trophy sits at home wondering why it got dressed up.

Oscars hookup rumor targets foreign-born actress

Another gossip claim alleges a foreign-born actress, described as a “homewrecker,” tried to initiate a hookup with her co-presenter during the Oscars. The anonymous-sourcing Olympics continue, where the only thing more flexible than the truth is the standards for publishing it.

Infant language learning can look inconsistent while still progressing

A study tracking infants from four to ten months found four-month-olds could learn broad patterns about how speech sounds are produced, even in silent tests. But that “match” preference faded around seven months, and by ten months shifted toward more attention to mismatches. The takeaway: changing behavior may reflect developing, reorganizing learning rather than learning lost—a refreshingly sensible reminder that babies are not tiny, stable data dashboards.

Major review, medicinal cannabis for mental health often no better than placebo

An Australian review of 54 randomized controlled trials from 1980 to 2025 found medicinal cannabis was generally no better than placebo for anxiety, PTSD, depression-related symptoms, psychotic disorders, anorexia, or opioid use disorder. There was limited evidence it may reduce use among people with cannabis use disorder, but studies were small and potentially biased. Researchers warned real-world products and longer use could carry higher risks, pointing to the need for tighter regulation and better long-term research.

Philadelphia readies for March Madness

Setup is underway in South Philadelphia as NCAA Tournament games are set to tip off soon. The city is hosting March Madness for the first time since 2022, which in sports-hosting terms is basically “welcome back from a nap.”

Iran conflict threatens global chip supply through energy and chemical bottlenecks

A prolonged conflict in the Persian Gulf could disrupt energy supplies and key chemical inputs for semiconductor manufacturing, especially if the Strait of Hormuz is closed. Taiwan, reliant on imports for about 97 percent of its energy, could struggle to secure LNG and materials such as helium processed in Qatar. Fuel-import-dependent chip producers like South Korea also face heightened risk, alongside market declines.

Analysts, US faces limits against Iran’s asymmetric tactics

Commentators argue the US is hitting practical limits in countering Iran’s asymmetric approach. Despite Iran’s weaker conventional forces, it can impose significant costs via relatively low-cost tools like drones and sea mines, including in the Strait of Hormuz—targeting specific vulnerabilities rather than seeking a direct conventional showdown.

A Major Foreign-Born Singer Reportedly Drew Little Interest from Red-Carpet Interviewers at the Oscars

Despite being one of the world’s biggest singers and looking polished, a foreign-born performer reportedly found that few people on multiple Oscars-related red carpets were eager to interview them.

County park visitors angered by new fence around lake

Visitors are outraged after a 2-metre fence began going up around the lake at Astbury Mere Country Park in Congleton, with many saying it makes the area look like a prison or zoo. The Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society, which owns the water and banks, says the barrier is needed to address ongoing problems such as drinking, swimming, and litter. The Astbury Mere Trust says the plans were pushed ahead without proper consultation. A petition at the park café has gathered hundreds of signatures, and even some anglers have criticised the fence’s appearance.

Anonymous Oscar-Nominated or Winning Actor Reportedly Intoxicated at After-Party

A blind gossip item claims an unnamed actor who has won or been nominated for an Oscar arrived at an after-party visibly drunk and smelling of smoke. One person also alleged he had an odor suggesting he had urinated on himself.

United States defeats Canada in para ice hockey final to complete Olympic and Paralympic sweep

The United States beat Canada in the para ice hockey final at Milan Cortina to win Paralympic gold, completing a historic clean sweep after also defeating Canada in the Olympic hockey final three weeks earlier.

Supreme Court to review Trump administration effort to end temporary protections for Haitians and Syrians

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case on whether the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status for migrants from Haiti and Syria, a program for people from countries facing extraordinary conditions. The justices will keep in place lower-court orders blocking the terminations while the case proceeds, with oral arguments scheduled for April.

Cuban officials report a nationwide power outage

Cuban officials said Monday that a power outage shut down electricity across the island. The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported a “complete disconnection” of the national electrical system, as Cuba faces ongoing strain on its energy resources, including pressure linked to U.S. measures.

Nvidia expands into the CPU market with new rack systems featuring 256 Vera processors

At its GTC event, Nvidia introduced a new liquid-cooled rack system built around 256 of its custom Vera CPUs, marking a sharper push into the CPU space and signaling increased competition for incumbents like Intel and AMD.

Bank of America Reaches Settlement with Epstein Survivors

Bank of America has agreed in principle to settle a federal lawsuit brought by Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors, according to a court filing. Both sides told the court they reached a deal, and a judge paused deadlines while the settlement moves through approval. The suit alleged the bank enabled Epstein’s financial activity and failed to file required suspicious activity reports, and the bank had sought dismissal. Other institutions have also settled related claims, including JPMorgan Chase for $290 million and Deutsche Bank for $75 million.

Tornado Watch in Effect for the Philadelphia Region Until 7 p.m. as Severe Storms Approach

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 7 p.m. for the entire Philadelphia region as potentially severe storms move into the area.

Nvidia to integrate Groq’s LPU technology into new LPX rack systems to improve AI inference speed

Nvidia announced at GTC that it will incorporate Groq’s language processing units, or LPUs, which it acquired for $20 billion, into its newly unveiled Vera Rubin LPX rack systems. CEO Jensen Huang said the integration is intended to boost inference performance and reduce response times for AI workloads.

Oscars Blind Item #10

An Oscars-related blind item says a celebrity’s daughter—known for frequent ab workouts—and her boyfriend look deeply bored with each other, with their interactions described as dull and disengaged.

Blind Item #9: Oscars

A blind item claims a well-known family’s matriarch looked upset at a magazine party, though the expression may have been influenced by Botox and poorly done fillers.

Police: Driver hits two boys near church, killing one, then tries to report SUV stolen

Polk County, Florida deputies arrested 30-year-old Victoria Johnson after they say she struck two boys, ages 8 and 10, crossing near Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven on Wednesday night and fled the scene, killing the 8-year-old and critically injuring the 10-year-old. Investigators say Johnson called the next day to report her 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe stolen, but later admitted she had been driving that night and thought she may have hit someone, allegedly saying the vehicle was “probably at the bottom of a lake by now.” Deputies later located the SUV with damage consistent with a pedestrian strike and arrested Johnson on charges including leaving the scene with death or serious injury, tampering with evidence, and driving without a license causing death.

Iranian Drone Strike Sets Fire at a Key UAE Oil Trading Hub

Iran escalated attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure by using drones to strike a strategically important UAE oil trading hub, igniting a fire at a facility located on the comparatively protected side of the Strait of Hormuz.

Keir Starmer faces criticism for linking the UK cost-of-living crisis to the Iran war

Keir Starmer has been criticised after saying ending the Iran war would be the quickest way to reduce the UK’s cost-of-living pressures, as the conflict pushes fuel prices higher. He announced a £53 million support package for heating-oil customers, but commentators argued the cost-of-living crisis predates the recent conflict and said the government should focus more on domestic energy policy and the risk of further price rises.

Michael B. Jordan visits a Hollywood In-N-Out after winning an Oscar

Michael B. Jordan marked his Oscar win with a late-night stop at the In-N-Out in Hollywood.

BBC urged to disclose licence fee spending on Donald Trump lawsuit as it seeks to dismiss $10bn claim

The BBC is facing calls to reveal how much licence fee money it has spent defending against Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit, after it filed a motion in the US to have the case dismissed. The broadcaster has refused a Freedom of Information request for the figure, arguing that disclosing legal costs during ongoing litigation could harm its position by aiding Trump’s legal strategy and undermining negotiations. Media law experts and former BBC staff say the costs should be made public once the case concludes, while the BBC argues it lacks jurisdiction in Florida and that Trump has not met the legal threshold for “actual malice.”

Metallica singer James Hetfield proposes to Adriana Gillet during a scuba dive

Metallica announced that James Hetfield is engaged after proposing to his girlfriend, Adriana Gillet, while scuba diving.

Wales Forward Set to Join English Club, Raising Questions About International Future

A prominent Wales forward is set to move to an English club, a switch that could put his international prospects in doubt. He last played for Wales in November 2024, bringing his total to 15 Test caps.

JBS Meatpacking Plant Workers in Colorado Strike

Workers at the JBS plant in Greeley, Colorado, went on strike this morning, demanding higher wages and safer working conditions.

Afghan asylum seeker who assisted the U.S. military dies in ICE custody

An Afghan father of six who had helped the U.S. military died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas less than 24 hours after being detained while seeking asylum.

Schumer Condemns the SAVE America Act Ahead of Senate Vote

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said the SAVE America Act, a voting reform bill Senate Republicans plan to bring to the floor this week, is among the most objectionable bills he has encountered during his time in Congress, warning it poses a serious threat to voting rights.

Fact Check: What Is Known About the Airstrike on a School in Iran?

Conflicting accounts have circulated after a school in Iran was bombed amid US-Israeli strikes in the country. The Cube reviews satellite imagery and reporting cited in claims about what happened and assesses what can be verified.

More 20mph speed limits to be introduced as Glasgow prepares major reduction next month

More roads in and around Glasgow are set to move to 20mph next month as part of a Scotland-wide push to lower speed limits on suitable built-up streets. Glasgow and East Renfrewshire are among the councils implementing the changes, which mainly target residential areas and busy urban streets, while most main routes are expected to stay at 30mph. The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland say the rollout is aimed at reducing deaths and injuries and making neighbourhoods safer for pedestrians and cyclists, citing evidence that lower speeds improve survival rates and can cut collisions.

Pep Guardiola gives Manchester City an unexpected day off before the Champions League match against Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola has cancelled training and given Manchester City a rest day ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad, where City must overturn a 3-0 first-leg defeat. Guardiola will speak to the media with captain Bernardo Silva, and he has told players who do not believe in a comeback to stay at home. City are also under pressure domestically after a 1-1 draw with West Ham left them nine points behind Arsenal, though Guardiola insists the title race is not over.

Nursery worker sentenced to 24 years for sexually abusing children in his care

Nathan Bennett, 30, a worker at the Partou King Street nursery in Bristol, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison, with a further six years on extended licence, after a jury found him guilty of eight offences, including rape and sexual assault, involving five children aged two and three. Police began investigating after staff and parents raised concerns and CCTV captured inappropriate contact, leading to his arrest and the nursery’s closure. Families said earlier warnings were not properly acted on and are seeking answers about how the abuse was able to occur.

Penn, Villanova, Lehigh, and Princeton Qualify for the NCAA Tournament

March Madness is underway, with four Delaware Valley programs—Penn, Villanova, Lehigh, and Princeton—earning spots in the 2026 NCAA tournament.

Experts Assess the Public Risk From the Kent Meningitis Outbreak

Concern is rising after multiple meningitis cases were linked to an outbreak in Kent, with experts outlining how dangerous the situation may be and what level of risk it poses to the wider public.

Trump Says He Is Not Ready to Declare Victory Over Iran

Trump said Sunday night that he is not prepared to declare victory over Iran, even as he claimed the United States has severely weakened Iran militarily and economically. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, he said there was “no reason” to make a victory declaration.

Whitstable GP issues urgent meningitis warning and advises symptomatic people to avoid the surgery amid deadly outbreak

A GP in Whitstable has issued an urgent warning during a deadly meningitis outbreak, urging anyone with possible meningitis symptoms to avoid the local surgery and go immediately to their nearest A&E department.

Trump’s global policy appears focused on countering China

Trump’s approach across Venezuela, Iran, Panama, and even Greenland is portrayed as a coordinated effort to curb China’s influence, with actions framed as aimed at disrupting Beijing’s strategic ambitions in multiple regions.

Can Europe’s power grid protect it from the next energy shock?

As conflict involving Iran disrupts a Middle East region central to global oil and gas supplies, attention is turning to whether Europe’s power grid is resilient enough to withstand the next energy shock.

Conservatives say Sadiq Khan is unlikely to meet London’s 2030 target to end rough sleeping as homelessness rises

Conservatives have criticised Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Rough Sleeping Action Plan after new figures showed rough sleeping in London at record highs, including 4,793 people counted on a single night in autumn 2025. Homelessness sector leaders told City Hall that ending rough sleeping by 2030 is unrealistic under current conditions, while some pointed to pressures linked to the asylum system and wider migration. Khan’s office has defended London’s welcoming approach, and campaigners urged stronger use of powers to bring empty homes into use. Opponents also highlighted shortfalls in housebuilding and affordable housing targets.

French Local Elections Show Tight First-Round Results in Major Cities

Major cities including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon reported close first-round results in France’s local elections, with candidates moving into negotiations ahead of a run-off vote. The first round also saw relatively high abstention and produced some unexpected outcomes.

Gulf states report early Monday drone attacks as the Iran war reaches day 17

Gulf states reported drone attacks early Monday as the Iran war entered its 17th day. Iran’s health ministry said more than 1,300 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks, including 445 women and children. Tehran pledged retaliation for those it calls “martyrs” and said it will not pursue ceasefire talks with Washington, despite claims by Donald Trump.

EU Ministers Consider Strengthening Naval Mission Amid US Pressure

EU ministers are set to discuss boosting the bloc’s naval mission under pressure from the United States. The newsletter also reports that Belgium’s prime minister is urging Europe to pursue a deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, while EU diplomats expect disputes over the shut Druzhba oil pipeline to continue until after Hungary’s April elections.

Long-Retained Backups Kept Data Available and Got a Web Developer in Trouble

A web developer faced consequences after older backups kept data accessible for far longer than expected. The underlying issue stemmed from omissions on the client side, but responsibility was shifted onto the developer anyway.

Three men charged with attempted murder after stabbing in Portsmouth

Three men have been charged with attempted murder after a 31-year-old man was stabbed on Hawthorn Crescent in Cosham, Portsmouth, shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday. Police said the incident followed a dispute between two groups of Afghan men. The victim remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. Arif Ahmadzai, 18, and Abdullah Mirzad, 18, were charged with attempted murder, while Abdul Shinwari, 19, was charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. All three were remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court. Three other men were arrested and later bailed pending further enquiries.

Drone attack temporarily halts flights at Dubai International Airport

Dubai officials temporarily suspended all flights at Dubai International Airport on Monday morning as the United Arab Emirates responded to Iranian drone and missile strikes.

On March 16, 1802, Congress authorized the establishment of West Point

On March 16, 1802, the U.S. Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York.

Notable birthdays on March 16 include Alexandra Daddario and Lauren Graham

Among the notable birthdays for March 16, actor Alexandra Daddario turns 40 and actor Lauren Graham turns 59.