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  • US names six crew killed in refuelling plane crash in Iraq

    US names six crew killed in refuelling plane crash in Iraq

    The United States Department of Defense has officially released the identities of all six service members who perished in the tragic crash of a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft in western Iraq. The fallen crew, hailed as “American heroes” by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, are: Air Force personnel John Klinner, 33 (Alabama); Ariana Savino, 31 (Washington); Ashley Pruitt, 34 (Kentucky); and National Guard members Seth Koval, 38 (Indiana); Curtis Angst, 30 (Ohio); and Tyler Simmons, 28 (Ohio).

    The incident occurred on Thursday during a combat mission supporting ongoing U.S. operations against Iran. The aircraft was one of a pair involved in the event; the second tanker landed safely. Preliminary U.S. military assessments have ruled out hostile fire or friendly fire as immediate causes for the loss. However, U.S. officials speaking to CBS News indicated that investigators are exploring the possibility of a mid-air collision. The crash site was reported near Turaibil, close to the Iraqi-Jordanian border—a region known for operations by Iran-aligned militias.

    Contradicting the U.S. assessment, Iranian state television broadcast a claim that an allied militia group successfully targeted the aircraft with a missile. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) described the crash as occurring over “friendly airspace.”

    This tragedy marks a significant escalation in the official U.S. military death toll, which now stands at 13 since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran a fortnight ago. The conflict began with combined U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28th. In addition to the six lives lost in Iraq, six more service members were killed in Kuwait and another in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. military has now lost at least four aircraft in the conflict, including three F-15 fighter jets downed in a suspected friendly-fire incident over Kuwait in early March; all crew in that event ejected safely.

    The KC-135 Stratotanker, manufactured by Boeing in the 1950s and 1960s, remains a critical backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s global mobility and refueling capabilities, enabling extended combat missions for fighter aircraft across the globe.

  • Bespoke women’s football stadiums? Why US sides are making the move

    Bespoke women’s football stadiums? Why US sides are making the move

    KANSAS CITY – A groundbreaking transformation is underway in women’s football as the United States leads the charge in stadium infrastructure development. The Kansas City Current, having competed at the revolutionary CPKC Stadium for two seasons, has established the world’s first purpose-built venue exclusively for women’s football. This pioneering facility represents a seismic shift in how women’s sports franchises approach infrastructure and fan engagement.

    Chris Long, co-owner of Kansas City Current, asserts that dedicated stadiums will become essential for competitive advantage within the next decade. “If a women’s football team does not have their own stadium in 10 years’ time, they will be at a disadvantage,” Long states emphatically.

    The movement is gaining momentum with Denver Summit, a new NWSL franchise, constructing their own stadium scheduled for completion by the 2028 season. This trend raises fundamental questions about the future direction of women’s football infrastructure globally, particularly in comparison to traditional models where teams share facilities with men’s franchises or other sports organizations.

    Kansas City’s football heritage runs deep, though the journey hasn’t been straightforward. FC Kansas City, an NWSL founding member in 2012, folded by 2017. The Current emerged in 2021 through investments from local business leaders Angie and Chris Long, alongside Brittany Mahomes. Their ambitious vision materialized with the opening of CPKC Stadium in March 2024, boasting an 11,500 capacity that consistently sells out—a stark contrast to many UK venues where women’s teams often play in partially filled large stadiums.

    Raven Jemison, KC Current president, emphasizes the strategic advantage: “Our job is to create the best home advantage and make sure every seat is filled so our opponents feel it’s going to be very hard to play here.”

    The financial implications are equally significant. Jen Millet, president of Denver Summit, highlights the revenue control aspect: “A big part of a sustainable business model is controlling revenue streams. Women have been tenants and missed out on those things—food, beverage, parking, rentals, retail.”

    Design innovations specifically tailored for women’s sports are emerging as a key differentiator. Denver’s planned 14,500-seat venue, designed by architectural firm Populous, will feature an intentionally open end to blend architecture with green space and community. Sherri Privitera, Senior Principal at Populous, explains the inclusive design philosophy: “We will have flexible seating for people to be communal and areas for children who cannot sit for three hours. We have more toilets than required and sensory rooms for mothers who are nursing.”

    The contrast with England’s Women’s Super League is striking. Eleven of twelve WSL teams remain attached to men’s operations, with only London City Lionesses fully independent. Most play in large, often sparsely filled stadiums or small shared grounds. Brighton had proposals for a purpose-built stadium approved in 2023, but owner Tony Bloom could not “put a time on it” as of late 2025.

    Financial barriers present significant challenges. While NWSL teams like Kansas City reportedly generate approximately $36 million in revenue—comparable to top WSL clubs Arsenal (£21.5m) and Chelsea (£21.3m)—English clubs often rely on parent companies for funding. Long acknowledges the financial hurdles: “It is very expensive—when we started, we approached 40 banks and got 39 noes. You need them to believe.”

    Despite these challenges, the evidence from Kansas City suggests dedicated stadiums deliver competitive advantages. The team dominated the 2025 regular season, winning the NWSL Shield by 21 points. Long attributes this success partly to the psychological impact: “It’s the feeling of belonging. If you’re a tenant, the schedule isn’t based on you… you put your stuff in the locker room but have to take it out because it’s temporary.”

    As the women’s game continues its remarkable growth trajectory, the stadium revolution pioneered in America’s heartland may well define the next chapter of professional women’s football worldwide.

  • Trump says ‘many countries’ will send warships to Hormuz Strait

    Trump says ‘many countries’ will send warships to Hormuz Strait

    In a significant escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf, former US President Donald Trump declared through social media platforms that multiple nations are preparing to deploy naval forces to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible for international shipping. The strategic waterway, through which approximately 20% of globally consumed oil passes, has become the focal point of renewed geopolitical tensions.

    Trump’s statement on Truth Social indicated that affected nations would collaborate with United States naval assets to maintain open passage through the vital shipping lane. The former president employed characteristically forceful language, vowing aggressive military action including coastal bombardment and the destruction of Iranian vessels attempting to interfere with maritime traffic.

    The announcement follows Trump’s previous remarks to journalists regarding imminent US Navy escorts for commercial tankers transiting the strait. This development occurs alongside provocative statements from Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has advocated for maintaining the waterway’s closure while promising expanded confrontation against American and Israeli interests.

    Diplomatic tensions further intensified through statements from Iran’s United Nations representative, Amir Saeid Iravani, who attributed regional instability directly to American aggression and security undermining actions. The exchange represents the latest chapter in the long-standing adversarial relationship between Tehran and Washington, with global energy markets closely monitoring developments that could significantly impact oil transportation and pricing worldwide.

  • My letter to my dead daughter – after forgiving the man who killed her

    My letter to my dead daughter – after forgiving the man who killed her

    In an extraordinary testament to human resilience, Kate Grosmaire has transformed unimaginable grief into a powerful advocacy for forgiveness and restorative justice. Sixteen years after her 19-year-old daughter Ann was fatally shot by her boyfriend Conor McBride, Kate reveals how choosing forgiveness became her pathway to peace.

    The tragedy unfolded in spring 2010 when Ann Grosmaire, a theater-loving college student with dreams of establishing a wildlife refuge, engaged in a prolonged argument with her boyfriend Conor McBride. Both 19 at the time, their overnight dispute escalated catastrophically when Conor retrieved his father’s shotgun. Despite Ann’s final plea of ‘No, I don’t’ when confronted with the weapon, Conor pulled the trigger in what he later described as exhausted desperation.

    While Ann lingered on life support, Kate performed her first radical act of compassion: visiting Conor in jail to express forgiveness. ‘When I said those words, I just felt a peace come over me,’ Kate recalls in her letter to Ann for the BBC World Service podcast ‘Dear Daughter.’ This initial forgiveness evolved into a formal restorative justice process—a pioneering approach that brings victims and perpetrators together to address harm collectively.

    Through facilitated meetings in summer 2011, the Grosmaires poured out their grief while Conor assumed full accountability for his actions. Remarkably, the family participated in crafting his sentence: instead of maximum imprisonment, Conor received 20 years with probation contingent on anger management classes, public speaking about teen dating violence, and volunteering in areas reflecting Ann’s interests.

    Now 35, Conor has utilized his incarceration meaningfully—working as a law clerk, facilitating classes on accountability, and contributing to violence prevention efforts. Kate maintains measured contact, ensuring her forgiveness ‘stuck’ through his rehabilitation journey.

    Kate emphasizes that forgiveness neither pardons the crime nor diminishes its horror, but rather liberates victims from bitterness. This perspective has allowed her to remain fully present for her two surviving daughters while honoring Ann’s legacy through advocacy. The family continues celebrating Ann’s birthday and Christmas stocking, acknowledging the perpetual grief while refusing to be imprisoned by it.

    Kate’s story challenges conventional notions of justice, demonstrating how restorative practices can create meaning from tragedy without minimizing suffering. Her journey offers a compelling model for addressing violent crime through humanity rather than pure retribution.

  • ‘Gruesome’ war bets fuel calls for crackdown on prediction markets

    ‘Gruesome’ war bets fuel calls for crackdown on prediction markets

    The rapid expansion of prediction markets in the United States has triggered intense regulatory debates and ethical concerns as platforms enable betting on sensitive geopolitical events, including potential assassinations and military actions. These digital platforms, which function similarly to stock exchanges, have witnessed explosive growth with over $44 billion in trades despite operating in a legal gray area.

    Recent controversial wagers include markets speculating on the removal of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, nuclear detonation probabilities, and military operations involving Venezuela and Israel. Such bets directly challenge US financial regulations that explicitly prohibit trading on contracts involving war, terrorism, assassination, or other illegal activities.

    The regulatory landscape became increasingly complex after a legal victory allowed prediction markets to accept election bets during the 2024 presidential campaign. This development prompted firms like Polymarket and Kalshi to expand their offerings, though both companies have since removed particularly sensitive markets following public scrutiny. Polymarket alone facilitated an estimated $500 million in bets related to potential Iran conflict scenarios before withdrawing nuclear-related markets.

    Critics including Public Citizen and Better Markets argue these platforms enable war profiteering, create national security risks, and facilitate insider trading opportunities. The controversy has sparked multiple legal battles across states, with traditional gaming firms intensifying lobbying efforts to subject prediction markets to similar regulations and taxation.

    The regulatory approach has shifted significantly following the 2024 election. The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) under the Trump administration has withdrawn proposed bans on sports and politics-related event contracts, taking the side of prediction market firms in ongoing legal challenges. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig contends these contracts serve ‘legitimate economic functions’ by allowing businesses to hedge against event-driven risks.

    In response to mounting pressure, major platforms have implemented stricter self-regulation measures. Kalshi, advertising itself as a ‘regulated exchange,’ has publicly disclosed insider trading investigations and punishments, while Polymarket has enhanced monitoring of suspicious activity. Both companies now face the challenge of balancing market freedom with ethical considerations and regulatory compliance in an increasingly scrutinized industry.

  • Oscars 2026: What to expect, how to watch and who will win

    Oscars 2026: What to expect, how to watch and who will win

    The 98th Academy Awards ceremony promises an evening of suspense and glamour as Hollywood’s elite gather for cinema’s most prestigious night. With several categories featuring neck-and-neck competitions, this year’s Oscars present one of the most unpredictable award seasons in recent memory.

    The best picture race has narrowed to a dramatic showdown between two exceptional films: the political thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ and the genre-defying vampire horror ‘Sinners,’ which made history by securing 16 nominations—the highest tally ever recorded. While ‘One Battle After Another’ enters as the statistical favorite following its dominant performance during precursor ceremonies, industry insiders acknowledge the passionate support for ‘Sinners’ within the Academy membership.

    In the acting categories, Irish actress Jessie Buckley stands as the undeniable frontrunner for best actress following her critically acclaimed performance in ‘Hamnet,’ having dominated the category throughout awards season. The best actor race, however, remains remarkably fluid with Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’) and Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’) emerging as the leading contenders after a season of surprising outcomes across various award ceremonies.

    The supporting acting categories demonstrate even greater volatility. Sean Penn’s transformative portrayal of a white supremacist in ‘One Battle After Another’ has gained significant momentum following his wins at both the BAFTA and Actor Awards. The supporting actress competition features three legitimate contenders: Teyana Taylor (‘One Battle After Another’), Wunmi Mosaku (‘Sinners’), and Amy Madigan (‘Weapons’), each having claimed major precursor awards.

    Television personality Conan O’Brien returns to host the ceremony following his widely praised performance in 2025. The production will feature numerous presenting appearances by acclaimed actors including Nicole Kidman, Robert Downey Jr., and last year’s acting winners. Only two of the five best original song nominees will be performed during the broadcast: ‘I Lied to You’ from ‘Sinners’ and ‘Golden’ from ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ performed by the virtual girl group Huntr/x.

    The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV in the UK beginning with red carpet coverage at 22:15 GMT, while American viewers can watch on ABC starting at 16:00 PT/19:00 ET. This year’s slightly later date reflects the Academy’s traditional scheduling around major international events like the Winter Olympics.

  • Trump urges UK and other nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz

    Trump urges UK and other nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz

    Former US President Donald Trump has issued a forceful appeal for a multinational naval coalition to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz, following a series of attacks on commercial shipping that have disrupted global oil supplies. In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump specifically called upon the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to deploy warships to safeguard this critical maritime corridor.

    The urgency of Trump’s request stems from escalating hostilities between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, which have transformed the world’s busiest oil shipping channel into a conflict zone. Since the war began on February 28th, UK Maritime Trade Operations has documented at least 16 attacks on vessels in and around the strait, through which approximately 20% of global oil shipments typically pass.

    Tehran has explicitly stated its intention to maintain a blockade of the waterway as part of its military strategy. Iranian officials have warned that any tanker bound for the US, Israel, or their partners constitutes a legitimate target. This declaration came alongside intensified attacks on energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region.

    Trump’s rhetoric remained characteristically combative, asserting that while “100% of Iran’s military capability” had been destroyed, the nation still posed a threat through potential drone attacks, mine deployments, or close-range missile strikes. He promised continued US military action, including bombing Iranian shoreline positions and engaging Iranian vessels, while offering “a lot” of support to nations participating in the proposed coalition.

    The UK Ministry of Defence responded cautiously, indicating they were discussing “a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region” with allied nations. This diplomatic language contrasted sharply with Trump’s previous comments, in which he stated he “couldn’t care less” whether allies contributed more to the war effort and accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of seeking to “join wars after we’ve already won.”

    International reactions revealed further complexities. French President Emmanuel Macron previously expressed willingness to deploy warships for escort missions, but only after the most “intense phase of the conflict” had concluded. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Prime Minister Starmer to resist pressure from Trump, emphasizing that deployment decisions should be based solely on UK national interests and subject to parliamentary approval.

    The strategic implications are substantial. Currently, not even the US Navy is escorting tankers through the narrow shipping lane, reflecting the dangerous operational environment. The effective closure of the strait and attacks on energy infrastructure have already triggered significant increases in global oil prices, demonstrating the economic vulnerability created by the regional conflict.

  • Treasure hunter freed from jail after refusing to turn over shipwreck gold

    Treasure hunter freed from jail after refusing to turn over shipwreck gold

    After a decade behind bars, deep-sea treasure hunter Tommy Thompson has been released from prison, leaving the whereabouts of 500 missing gold coins from a historic shipwreck shrouded in mystery. The 73-year-old explorer, who located the legendary SS Central America wreck in 1988, spent years as a fugitive before his eventual capture and imprisonment.

    The SS Central America, famously known as the ‘Ship of Gold,’ met its tragic fate in 1857 during a hurricane off the coast of South Carolina. The vessel was transporting approximately 30,000 pounds of freshly minted San Francisco gold intended to establish banking reserves on the East Coast. The catastrophic sinking at a depth of 7,000 feet claimed 425 lives and significantly contributed to the financial panic of 1857.

    Thompson’s remarkable discovery of the wreckage yielded thousands of gold bars and coins, with subsequent sales generating approximately $50 million in 2000. However, 161 investors who had contributed $12.7 million to fund the recovery operation filed lawsuits in 2005, alleging they had been defrauded of their promised returns. Later estimates suggested the recovered treasure might have been worth up to $400 million.

    The treasure hunter’s legal troubles escalated when he vanished in 2012 to avoid court appearances. After three years as a fugitive, living under assumed names in Florida hotels while using cash payments and public transportation to evade detection, Thompson was finally apprehended in 2015.

    His imprisonment stemmed from criminal contempt charges for refusing to disclose the location of the missing coins. While civil contempt sentences typically continue indefinitely until compliance with court orders, the presiding judge recently determined that Thompson would never reveal the coins’ whereabouts, leading to his release and concluding one of the most extraordinary treasure hunting sagas in American history.

  • Fatal shooting near Sawgrass delays fan entry

    Fatal shooting near Sawgrass delays fan entry

    A deadly shooting incident near TPC Sawgrass golf course disrupted spectator access during the third day of the prestigious Players Championship tournament in Florida. According to St Johns County Sheriff’s Office, two individuals were fatally shot at approximately 10:30 PM local time on Friday, with the violent incident occurring less than one mile from the championship venue.

    The alleged perpetrator, identified as Christian Barrios, reportedly fled onto the golf course premises following the shooting. After an extensive manhunt, law enforcement authorities apprehended Barrios in Nassau County at around 8:00 AM on Saturday following a vehicle pursuit.

    Sheriff Robert Hardwick provided details of the suspect’s movements, indicating that Barrios had “made contact” with PGA Tour staff members during his attempted escape. “We believe he picked up a radio belonging to the PGA Tour, not one of our radios, and we know he dropped it after that,” Hardwick stated. “Our canines used it as a scent when they came in there.”

    The scheduled 7:30 AM gate opening for spectators was consequently delayed until 9:00 AM due to what tournament organizers described as “operational considerations” related to the security situation. Despite the access restrictions for fans, third-round competition at the PGA Tour’s flagship event commenced according to the original timetable.

    Meanwhile, Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg maintained his tournament leadership position after two rounds, having delivered an impressive nine-under-par 63 performance on Friday prior to the security incident.

  • Kennedy Center head steps down after tumultuous year

    Kennedy Center head steps down after tumultuous year

    In a significant leadership shakeup at one of America’s premier cultural institutions, Richard Grenell has resigned from his position as head of the recently renamed Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The former U.S. ambassador to Germany, known for his close affiliation with President Donald Trump, departs after a year marked by substantial organizational changes, artist withdrawals, and declining attendance figures.

    President Trump announced the transition via his Truth Social platform, revealing that Matt Floca, the center’s current vice-president of facilities operations, would assume leadership responsibilities. Floca, who joined the institution in January 2024 during the Biden administration, brings extensive experience in facilities and construction management to the role.

    The leadership change occurs as the iconic performing arts venue prepares for an extensive two-year renovation project commencing in July. President Trump has secured over $250 million in funding for the reconstruction, frequently criticizing the center’s physical condition while promising to create “the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World.”

    The administration’s relationship with the cultural institution has been complex since Trump’s return to the White House. Shortly beginning his second term, the president installed himself as chairman of the center after replacing several board members with political allies. This reconstituted board subsequently approved the institution’s controversial renaming in December, despite legal questions regarding the necessity of congressional approval for such changes.

    Under Grenell’s tenure, the center experienced significant programming shifts, with Trump criticizing previous offerings as excessively “woke.” This stance led to performance cancellations by prominent artists including the cast of Hamilton, composer Stephen Schwartz of Wicked fame, and Doug Varone and the Dancers.

    Once confirmed by the center’s board of directors, Floca will oversee the massive renovation project while managing the institution’s ongoing operational challenges during this transitional period.