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Israel Says It Killed 2 Senior Iranian Officials as Regional War Escalates and Oil Markets Jitter

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(AP) — Israel said Tuesday it killed two senior Iranian security figures in overnight airstrikes, a move Israeli officials described as a significant blow to Iran’s leadership as the conflict between the longtime adversaries intensified across the Middle East.

Iran did not immediately acknowledge the deaths, but responded with fresh waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf Arab nations, underscoring a rapidly widening war with no immediate path to de-escalation.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes killed Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij force under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“They were eliminated last night,” Katz said, describing the operation as part of Israel’s broader effort to weaken Iran’s command structure during wartime.

Larijani had been one of Iran’s most influential political figures, particularly after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike during the opening phase of the war. Larijani previously served as parliament speaker and was closely involved in strategic decision-making, including nuclear negotiations with the administration of President Donald Trump.

Soleimani, meanwhile, commanded the Basij, a volunteer force that has played a central role in enforcing domestic security and suppressing dissent across Iran.

Both figures had been sanctioned by Western governments over their involvement in Iran’s crackdown on protests earlier this year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the killings were intended to erode Iran’s governing system.

“We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it,” Netanyahu said, signaling Israel’s broader strategic objective.

The deaths of Larijani and Soleimani, if confirmed, would represent one of the most significant losses for Iran’s leadership structure since the conflict began, stripping the government of key figures involved in both security operations and political coordination.

Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly in recent days. Israeli officials have suggested he may have been wounded, though no independent confirmation has emerged.

In response, Iran fired additional missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and Gulf nations, expanding the geographic scope of the conflict.

Air defenses were activated across multiple countries as projectiles targeted energy infrastructure and urban centers.

In the United Arab Emirates, authorities temporarily closed airspace over Dubai as the military intercepted incoming threats. The shutdown marked the second such disruption in as many days.

Explosions were also reported over Abu Dhabi, where officials said a man was killed by debris from an intercepted missile, bringing the death toll in the country to eight since the war began.

In the emirate of Fujairah, an oil facility was struck in a drone attack, though authorities said no injuries were reported. A tanker anchored nearby sustained minor damage after being hit by debris, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

Elsewhere in the region, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones, while air defense systems were heard engaging targets over Doha.

In Iraq, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was struck by shrapnel from intercepted drones, highlighting the risk to American personnel in the region.

The escalating attacks have intensified fears of a global energy crisis, particularly as Iran signaled it would maintain tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

Iranian officials indicated that while the waterway technically remains open, access could be restricted for the United States and its allies.

Shipping traffic has already been disrupted, with about 20 vessels reportedly struck since the conflict began.

Rising oil prices and concerns over supply disruptions have begun to ripple through global markets.

President Donald Trump said he had urged several countries to deploy naval forces to safeguard shipping routes, though no immediate commitments were announced.

The Israeli military said it had launched a “wide-scale wave of strikes” targeting Tehran, focusing on command centers, missile launch sites and air defense systems.

Israel also intensified operations against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, where the group has been firing rockets into northern Israel since the conflict escalated.

The Lebanese Armed Forces said one soldier was killed and four others wounded in an Israeli strike on the village of Kfar Sir.

Lebanese authorities say more than 1 million people have been displaced by the fighting, with hundreds killed since hostilities intensified.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began.

In Israel, officials say at least 12 people have died from Iranian missile strikes, while the United States has reported 13 military personnel killed in the broader conflict.

The reported killing of two high-ranking Iranian officials marks a critical escalation point in the war, suggesting Israel is now targeting not only military infrastructure but also the leadership core of the Iranian state.

Such strikes carry both tactical and symbolic weight. Removing figures like Larijani and Soleimani could disrupt coordination within Iran’s security apparatus, but it also risks provoking a more aggressive response from Tehran.

Iran’s decision to expand attacks beyond Israel to include Gulf states signals a shift toward a regionalized conflict, drawing in countries that had previously tried to remain on the sidelines.

The involvement of strategic النفط infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz raises the stakes far beyond the Middle East. Even limited disruptions in this corridor can have immediate global consequences, driving up energy prices and increasing economic uncertainty worldwide.

At the same time, the reluctance of other nations to commit military support despite U.S. appeals reflects broader concerns about being pulled into a prolonged and unpredictable war.

With both Israel and Iran showing little willingness to back down, analysts warn the conflict may enter a more dangerous phase marked by sustained regional attacks, economic disruption and the potential for wider international involvement.

As the situation continues to evolve, the coming days may prove pivotal in determining whether the conflict remains contained or spirals into a broader regional war with global repercussions.

Multiple Bomb Explosions Rock Maiduguri, Nigeria, Leaving Many Feared Dead and Hundreds Injured

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(AP/Punchng) — A series of explosions tore through parts of Maiduguri, Nigeria, on Monday night, killing an undetermined number of people and injuring scores of others in one of the most serious attacks in the northeastern Nigerian city in recent years.

Authorities and emergency officials said the blasts occurred almost simultaneously around 7:02 p.m. near the busy Monday Market, at the Post Office Market, and close to a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The explosions struck at a time when residents were still moving through crowded market areas in the city, which has long served as the epicenter of Nigeria’s battle against Islamist militant groups.

Emergency responders rushed to the scenes shortly after the blasts, while hospitals across the city began receiving a wave of casualties.

Officials said the exact death toll remained unclear as rescue workers continued searching the affected areas and medical teams struggled to treat the injured.

Mohammed Kafaran, head of operations for the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, confirmed that emergency teams were dispatched to the Monday Market district following the explosions.

“Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi,” Kafaran said while responding to inquiries from journalists. “We have deployed our team there to assess the situation.”

He added that authorities were still evaluating the scale of the damage and the number of casualties.

Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, commonly known as NEMA, also joined rescue operations.

Sirajo Abdullahi, the agency’s head of operations in Maiduguri, told The Associated Press that several people had been killed or injured but that an official casualty figure could not yet be confirmed.

“There are casualties and they are still managing the casualties at the hospital,” Abdullahi said. “We can’t give the actual figure until we count.”

Residents near the explosion sites described moments of panic as the blasts echoed across the city.

One witness told PUNCH Online that the explosions left bodies scattered in the market area while emergency workers scrambled to evacuate survivors.

“There were dead bodies on the ground, and many persons with wounds have been rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” the witness said.

Another resident, who declined to be identified, recounted hearing the blast shortly after leaving a nearby post office building.

“I had just left the post office and was on my way when I heard a loud sound,” the resident said.

Bagoni Alkali, another eyewitness, told The Associated Press that he personally transported wounded victims to the hospital.

“Right now, over 200 people have been injured and are receiving care in the accident and emergency department,” Alkali said.

He added that several victims died at the scene immediately after the explosions.

“While I could tell you so many people have died, to be honest, many lost their lives at the scene immediately after the bomb exploded. It’s disheartening,” he said.

Mohammed Hassan, a member of a local volunteer group that assists security forces in the region, said he helped recover bodies from the affected markets.

“I evacuated 10 bodies from the Post Office and Monday Markets,” Hassan said.

“Many victims were rushed to the emergency ward, but some died at the hospital. We’re in dire need of blood,” he added.

Hassan described the incident as one of the most devastating attacks to strike Maiduguri in years.

“This attack’s been one of the deadliest in Maiduguri in years,” he said.

Authorities said no group had immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts.

However, suspicion quickly fell on extremist groups that have carried out numerous attacks in northeastern Nigeria.

The Nigerian military said earlier Monday it had repelled assaults by suspected Islamist militants on the outskirts of Maiduguri during overnight operations.

Those clashes occurred just hours before the explosions in the city.

For more than a decade, Boko Haram and splinter factions have waged an insurgency across northeastern Nigeria.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions across the region.

While the insurgency has continued in rural parts of Borno State, major attacks inside Maiduguri itself have become less frequent in recent years following intensified military operations.

The latest explosions may signal a renewed attempt by militants to penetrate urban areas once again.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum strongly condemned the explosions in a statement issued Monday night.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast,” Zulum said.

“The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” he added.

The governor urged residents to remain calm while authorities investigated the attacks.

He also encouraged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activity.

The attacks underscore the fragile security situation that continues to grip parts of northeastern Nigeria despite years of military campaigns against militant groups.

Maiduguri, once the stronghold of Boko Haram’s founder, has served as the central hub for Nigerian military operations against insurgents.

Since the height of the insurgency in the mid-2010s, Nigerian forces supported by regional allies have reclaimed several territories previously controlled by militants.

Yet security experts say extremist groups have adapted their tactics, shifting toward guerrilla warfare and sporadic bombings.

Recent attacks on military bases across the region suggest that militant factions remain capable of launching coordinated operations.

The blasts in Maiduguri could therefore represent both a symbolic and strategic move by insurgents seeking to demonstrate that the conflict is far from over.

Analysts also warn that the continued humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria — including widespread displacement, poverty and limited economic opportunities — may fuel ongoing instability.

Local authorities have struggled to balance security operations with rebuilding efforts aimed at restoring normal life for residents.

Emergency responders remained at the blast sites late Monday night as search operations continued.

Medical teams across Maiduguri were working to stabilize injured victims while authorities sought to determine the exact number of people killed or wounded.

Security agencies have begun reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses in an effort to determine how the attacks were carried out.

Officials say further details will emerge as investigations progress.

For now, the explosions have once again reminded residents of the lingering threat posed by militant violence in northeastern Nigeria — a region that has endured nearly two decades of conflict.

Demolition Accident in Nairobi Leaves at Least Four Dead After Building Collapse

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A building collapsed during a planned demolition Monday in Nairobi, Kenya, killing at least four people and injuring several others after the operation went wrong, authorities said.

Officials from Kenya Ministry of Interior said rescue teams were searching through the rubble for possible survivors following the collapse.

Emergency crews, including soldiers from the Kenya Defence Forces, joined first responders and local authorities in the rescue effort as heavy debris covered the area.

Images from the scene showed victims being carried away on stretchers as emergency personnel continued to sift through the remains of the building.

The collapse occurred in the Shauri Moyo area, specifically within the Blue Estate community.

Authorities said the building had been scheduled for demolition as part of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project, a government program aimed at clearing illegal structures and restoring sections of the Nairobi River.

Rescuers managed to pull at least two people alive from the wreckage shortly after the structure collapsed.

However, journalists at the scene reported seeing multiple bodies recovered from the debris. The Interior Ministry later confirmed that at least four people had died in the incident.

Officials said four others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.

Authorities said it was not immediately clear what caused the demolition operation to fail.

Investigators are expected to examine whether safety procedures were followed and whether demolition methods contributed to the collapse.

The Interior Ministry said rescue operations would continue until authorities were certain no one remained trapped beneath the rubble.

Building collapses are a recurring problem in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, where rapid urban growth and high demand for housing have strained regulatory enforcement.

Investigations in the past have shown that some developers bypass building regulations or ignore safety standards to speed up construction projects.

In 2015, eight building collapses across Kenya killed at least 15 people, prompting Government of Kenya to order a nationwide audit of construction standards.

The review conducted by the National Construction Authority found that about 58% of buildings in Nairobi failed to meet required safety standards.

Urban planners and safety experts have repeatedly warned that poor oversight and illegal construction continue to pose serious risks for residents in the rapidly growing capital.

The Associated Press

Complete List of 2026 Academy Awards Winners as ‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates Oscars

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“One Battle After Another” emerged as the biggest winner at Sunday’s Academy Awards, taking home multiple prizes including best picture and best director.

The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, also captured the first-ever Oscar awarded for casting during the 98th Academy Awards ceremony.

Actor Michael B. Jordan won best actor for his performance in Sinners, earning the first Oscar of his career.

Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley received the best actress award for her role in Hamnet.

The first award of the night went to Amy Madigan, who won best supporting actress for her performance in Weapons.

The ceremony was hosted by Conan O’Brien and held at the Dolby Theatre.

Screenwriter and director Ryan Coogler also won best original screenplay for “Sinners,” which entered the night with a record 16 nominations.

Below is the complete list of winners from the 2026 Academy Awards.

Best Picture

One Battle After Another

Best Actor

Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Best Actress

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Madigan, Weapons

Best Supporting Actor

Sean Penn, One Battle After Another

Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another

Best Original Song

“Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters
Songwriters: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, Teddy Park

Best Original Score

Sinners, composed by Ludwig Göransson

Best Animated Film

KPop Demon Hunters

Best International Film

Sentimental Value, Norway

Best Documentary Feature

Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Best Casting

Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another

Best Sound

Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta for F1

Best Cinematography

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners

Best Original Screenplay

Sinners, written by Ryan Coogler

Best Adapted Screenplay

One Battle After Another, written by Paul Thomas Anderson

Best Live Action Short Film

(tie) The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva

Best Animated Short Film

The Girl Who Cried Pearls

Best Documentary Short Film

All the Empty Rooms

Best Visual Effects

Avatar: Fire and Ash — Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, Daniel Barrett

Best Production Design

Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau for Frankenstein

Best Film Editing

Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey for Frankenstein

Best Costume Design

Kate Hawley, Frankenstein

The 98th Academy Awards highlighted a mix of blockbuster productions and critically acclaimed films, with “One Battle After Another” leading the night’s honors while “Sinners” and “Frankenstein” also secured multiple awards across major categories.

Hollywood’s Elite Prepare for Oscars Red Carpet Spectacle as Award Season Reaches Climax

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LOS ANGELES — Hollywood’s most illustrious performers gather Sunday for the 98th Academy Awards as the red carpet opens at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, providing A-list celebrities their ultimate moment in the spotlight where some will triumph through fashion even if they fail to claim Oscar statuettes when the ceremony concludes hours later.

For this year’s nominees, the Oscars red carpet represents the final opportunity to dazzle before the curtain closes on award season. While some stars adhere to traditional codes of red-carpet attire by selecting tuxedos and evening gowns, others inject fresh energy into black-tie dressing through bold sartorial choices that generate as much conversation as the awards themselves.

Teyana Taylor, Timothée Chalamet, and Emma Stone rank among the fashionable actors nominated for Academy Awards this year. With established track records of red carpet risk-taking, these performers are guaranteed to enliven the carpet through unexpected style choices that transcend conventional Hollywood glamour formulas.

Chalamet famously wore a Givenchy by Sarah Burton butter yellow leather suit to the 2025 Oscar ceremony—a daring departure from standard black tuxedos that generated immediate social media frenzy and cemented his reputation as someone willing to experiment with gender-fluid fashion sensibilities that challenge rigid masculine dress codes.

Each red carpet leading up to the Oscars has functioned as Taylor’s personal runway. Nominated for best supporting actress, Taylor has emerged as a style icon whose choices merit close attention. At the Golden Globes, she showcased a jeweled bow whale tail on the back of her custom Schiaparelli draped black gown—a provocative design detail that sparked both admiration and controversy. Taylor delivered another showstopping look at the Actor Awards when she wore a Thom Browne dress with a bodice designed to resemble a painting of the female form, blurring boundaries between fashion and fine art.

The Oscars possess unique potential to catapult an actor’s career into another stratosphere of star status, transforming talented performers into household names whose future projects command premium compensation and prestigious opportunities. With that magnitude in mind, some actors choose to play conservatively on the carpet, arriving in old Hollywood glamour instead of edgy or dramatic looks while reserving more risqué ensembles for after-parties where photographers are less omnipresent.

Luxury fashion houses from Armani, Dior, Valentino, Prada to Chanel dominate the Oscars red carpet annually. Celebrities rarely wear independent designers on the carpet as many household names operate under contracts as brand ambassadors with these major brands, limiting their sartorial freedom while guaranteeing access to couture creations worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Frankenstein actor Mia Goth, for instance, was named a Dior brand ambassador last year and wore a black Dior gown to the Golden Globes—a partnership arrangement typical in contemporary celebrity culture where fashion houses provide wardrobes in exchange for publicity and endorsement value.

Oscar attendees sometimes make more than fashion statements, however. Actors have employed political messaging through accessories, with “ICE OUT” or “BE GOOD” pins appearing at several red carpets this award season in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Other stars have demonstrated solidarity by wearing red pins calling for ceasefire in Gaza.

As the Iran war continues escalating, the carpet could witness more celebrities utilizing their moments to address the latest global turmoil, though such political statements risk alienating portions of audiences who prefer entertainment awards remain apolitical forums celebrating artistic achievement rather than platforms for activist messaging.

The Oscars ceremony will commence at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with the red carpet opening around 3:30 p.m. EST to accommodate East Coast television audiences and provide several hours of pre-show coverage that has become nearly as essential to the event as the awards themselves.

According to the Associated Press, the 98th Academy Awards gained unexpected suspense following late-game surprises at the Actor Awards that disrupted what had appeared to be predictable outcomes in major categories. As film academy members completed their ballots before Thursday’s 8 p.m. Eastern deadline, AP film writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle offered final predictions for top awards.

In the best picture category, “One Battle After Another”

In the best picture category, “One Battle After Another” had been coasting as the clear frontrunner, winning top prizes at the Producers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes—until Sunday’s Actor Awards where “Sinners” captured best ensemble, injecting uncertainty into what had seemed a foregone conclusion.

“Suddenly, the Oscars don’t seem so buttoned up after all. I still think it’s going to be ‘One Battle After Another,’ though,” Bahr predicted, noting that the Producers Guild Awards represent a slightly better predictor than the Actor Awards, which have diverged from the eventual best picture winner five times in the past decade. “Either way, it’ll be a win for theatrical moviegoing and Warner Bros., no matter how uncertain their futures may be.”

Coyle acknowledged the two-horse race between “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners,” observing that Michael B. Jordan’s individual win at the Actor Awards provides momentum for “Sinners” arriving at precisely the right moment as Oscar voters submitted ballots. “So I think ‘Sinners’ has an excellent chance of pulling off the upset. But ultimately I think ‘One Battle After Another’ wins. It has the more meaningful precursors and feels powerfully of the moment.”

In the best actress category, both critics agreed that Jessie Buckley would claim her first Oscar for “Hamnet” in what Coyle characterized as “the easiest call of the night.” While praising Buckley’s excellent performance, Coyle suggested the award represents recognition for “one of the most talented and natural actors of a generation” whose career trajectory since emerging in 2019’s “Wild Rose” pointed inevitably toward this moment.

The best actor race appears more uncertain. Chalamet seemed poised to win after losing last year, but Jordan’s heartfelt Actor Awards speech potentially shifted momentum in his direction. “It will be an interesting case study in campaigning if Jordan ends up taking the statue, which I think he will,” Bahr predicted, noting that none of the choices would constitute a wrong selection.

Coyle concurred that Jordan would prevail despite historical precedent—it has been 22 years since a best actor winner didn’t claim either BAFTA or Actor Award victories. “Jordan is going to win, and I think it will be a highlight of the night. Unlike others in this category, Jordan has really been under-honored. This is his first Oscar nomination.”

In best supporting actress, three nominees have notable wins: Amy Madigan with the Actor Award, Wunmi Mosaku at BAFTAs, and Teyana Taylor at the Globes. Coyle predicted an upset with Taylor prevailing despite Madigan’s apparent edge, arguing that being “such a key part of what I think will be the best picture winner will carry Taylor to the upset.”

Best supporting actor appears destined for Sean Penn, who won at both BAFTAs and the Actor Awards despite possessing two previous Oscars while competitor Delroy Lindo has none. However, Coyle raised the intriguing possibility that Penn might not attend the ceremony, having skipped the Oscar nominee luncheon and most ceremonies thus far. “It’s been a while since we had an absent winner. Remember Anthony Hopkins in the COVID Oscars?”

Paul Thomas Anderson appears certain to claim best director for “One Battle After Another” after winning at the Directors Guild Awards and benefiting from industrywide consensus that he’s overdue for recognition. Anderson has never won an Oscar despite multiple nominations across his distinguished career.

In best documentary feature, Bahr predicted the prize might shift from internationally focused films addressing major global issues to domestic concerns, specifically “The Perfect Neighbor”—a riveting examination of Florida’s “stand your ground” laws that gained wide viewership through its Netflix platform.

As the red carpet unfolds Sunday afternoon and nominees arrive in their carefully selected ensembles, the convergence of fashion spectacle and artistic recognition will create the annual cultural phenomenon that only the Academy Awards can generate—a moment when global attention focuses on Los Angeles as Hollywood celebrates its most accomplished work while simultaneously revealing which performers possess the style sensibility to transcend their on-screen achievements through sartorial daring.

Whether the night produces upset victories or confirms frontrunner expectations, the 98th Academy Awards will conclude another award season that has provided both artistic excellence and the unpredictable drama that makes Oscar night appointment television for millions worldwide who tune in to witness both who wins and what they’re wearing when they do.

6 Airmen Killed in Iraq Refueling Aircraft Crash Identified, Including Alabama Father Who Deployed Week Before Death

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 All six airmen killed when an Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq have been identified by the Pentagon, including a beloved 33-year-old Alabama father of three who deployed just one week before the deadly collision that brought the total U.S. military death toll in the Iran conflict to 13 service members.

Major Alex Klinner, a seven-year U.S. Air Force pilot, was aboard the doomed KC-135 Stratotanker when it collided with another tanker over “friendly airspace” in western Iraq on Thursday during operations supporting the ongoing military campaign. The crash, which U.S. Central Command emphasized was “not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” remains under investigation as military officials work to determine what caused two American refueling aircraft to collide during what should have been routine operations.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” Klinner’s brother-in-law James Harrill said Saturday, his voice conveying the profound grief overwhelming the Birmingham, Alabama family that lost a devoted husband and father whose children will now grow up without him.

The Birmingham resident, who enjoyed hiking and outdoor activities, leaves behind seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son who will never truly know their father beyond photographs and stories, Harrill confirmed. Klinner had deployed on March 12—just days before the fatal crash—to support Operation Epic Fury, the Pentagon’s designation for military operations against Iran.

His grieving widow Libby Klinner expressed heartbreak that their children will grow up never experiencing firsthand the man who defined selfless service and devotion to family. “They won’t get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could,” she wrote in a social media post that captured both her anguish and her determination to preserve her husband’s memory for their sons.

“They won’t see how goofy and funny he was. They won’t witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself. They won’t get to feel the deep love he had for them,” she continued, painting a portrait of a man whose character extended far beyond his military service to encompass the qualities that made him an exceptional father and husband.

A GoFundMe campaign established for the grief-stricken family has raised more than $467,000 as communities across Alabama and beyond rallied to support the widow and three young children facing life without their primary provider and emotional anchor. The outpouring of financial support reflects both the tragedy’s impact and widespread recognition that families of fallen service members deserve tangible assistance as they navigate devastating loss.

The Auburn University graduate was remembered as someone perpetually ready to help others and embodying qualities of a “servant leader”—military terminology for officers who prioritize their subordinates’ welfare and lead through example rather than mere authority. “Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” Harrill said, noting that Klinner had recently been promoted to major in January, recognizing his leadership capabilities and professional excellence.

“He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people,” Harrill added, employing the emphatic grammar of genuine grief that transcends concerns about linguistic precision to express overwhelming loss.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, from Columbus, Ohio, described as possessing a “million-dollar smile,” was also identified as being aboard the deadly flight. Simmons served as a boom operator—the crew member responsible for the technically demanding task of extending the refueling boom from the tanker aircraft to precisely connect with receiving aircraft traveling at hundreds of miles per hour, requiring exceptional skill, concentration, and nerves.

Simmons was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Ohio’s Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base before deploying to the Middle East to support combat operations. His cousin Tracy Peaks told CNN affiliate WBNS that the family always knew Simmons’ infectious smile would take him places, including his dream job operating as a military boom operator combining his passion for aviation with service to his country.

Simmons played football and graduated from Eastmoor Academy High School in 2015, subsequently working in security before pursuing his military aviation aspirations. His parents remembered the exact moment uniformed officers arrived at their door to inform them their only child had perished, his mother Cheryl Simmons told WBNS through tears that no passage of time will ease.

Tyler’s mother had once hoped he would choose a different path than military service, according to WBNS, though his passion for aviation and serving his country proved overwhelming. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther extended “deepest condolences” to Simmons’ family after his “life was taken far too soon in a recent accident in Iraq,” honoring his memory “as a true hero who served our country with courage and dedication.”

The other service members killed in the crash were identified by the Pentagon Saturday as Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Captain Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; and Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio—all experienced aviators and aviation support personnel whose expertise in aerial refueling operations made them essential to sustaining combat aircraft over extended missions.

Pentagon officials confirmed that Klinner, Savino, and Pruitt were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, though all three served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, a geographically separated unit based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. The unusual administrative arrangement reflected Air Force efficiency measures consolidating specialized refueling squadrons while maintaining geographic distribution.

“They were not only outstanding Airmen. They were our neighbors – our fellow Alabamians. May their service and that of their families never be forgotten,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared via social media platform X, acknowledging both their professional excellence and their roots in communities now mourning their loss.

Koval, Angst, and Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, representing the state’s contribution to aerial refueling capabilities essential for projecting American air power across vast distances. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he was mourning all the airmen alongside the entire state, emphasizing the specialized skills of Ohio Air National Guard members.

They were trained to “transfer fuel from one plane to another in midair, and their work was critical in long-distance missions in defense of our nation. Every mission they undertook involved risks that they were willing to take and the courage to put the lives of others above their own. They served with honor,” DeWine wrote on X, capturing the inherent dangers of aerial refueling operations even absent enemy action.

The second U.S. aircraft involved in the fatal collision—also a KC-135 Stratotanker—landed safely following the incident, U.S. Central Command confirmed. “The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” CENTCOM wrote in a statement, though the confirmed deaths of all six crew members suggested that rescue efforts focused on recovery rather than survival hopes.

CNN documented that Captain Ariana Savino was described as a “great human, a future senior leader, a mentor to Latina youth and current Air Force superstar” who died “doing what she loved,” according to her friend Ernesto Nisperos in a Facebook post memorializing the accomplished aviator whose career trajectory suggested she would have risen to senior leadership positions.

Savino was Nisperos’s mentee and a “source of positive energy,” he revealed. “She was one of those people who lit up every room she walked into. That smile of hers wasn’t just infectious, it was disarming. She brought energy, grit, and a ruthless commitment to making everyone around her better,” Nisperos added, painting a portrait of someone whose leadership extended beyond formal authority to genuine inspiration.

Savino served as chief of current operations for the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, overseeing the unit’s daily flight schedule and coordinating training and missions—responsibilities requiring exceptional organizational skills and technical knowledge. She commissioned in 2017 through the Air Force ROTC program at Central Washington University, initially serving as a combat systems officer before completing pilot training in 2025 and earning her wings as a KC-135 pilot just months before her death.

Senator Patty Murray of Washington expressed being “heartbroken” by Savino’s death while feeling “deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country.” Women like Savino represent “the absolute best of our state and country,” Murray declared, adding that the nation must honor them “not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind.”

Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt served as an instructor boom operator and assistant flight chief of operations with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, where she oversaw training and readiness while instructing fellow boom operators in the precise mechanics of midair refueling—technical skills requiring thousands of practice hours to master. She entered the Air Force in 2017 and rose steadily through enlisted ranks, earning leadership responsibilities and deploying multiple times supporting Middle East operations before her promotion to technical sergeant last May.

MacDill Air Force Base, home station for Pruitt, Klinner, and Savino, issued a statement expressing devastation at their loss. “To lose a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful, especially to those who know them as son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse, mom or dad,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander. “Our communities feel this loss deeply and Team MacDill will ensure their sacrifices and service to our nation are never forgotten.”

Captain Seth Koval served in the Air Force for 19 years, first enlisting as a machinist with the Ohio National Guard before pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. He was responsible for training pilots in “worldwide air refueling, aeromedical, cargo and passenger operations,” requiring comprehensive knowledge of KC-135 capabilities across multiple mission profiles.

Koval’s family said their “world was shattered” by the sudden loss of the husband and father who wore the uniform with purpose and pride. “My husband was many things – loving, generous, kind-hearted, smart, devoted, a fixer of all things, a real outdoorsman, and selfless,” his wife Heather Nicole wrote on Facebook. “He always put others before himself – until the very end. I will see him in the smile of our son and carry him with me in every moment.”

Captain Curtis Angst earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati before enlisting in the Ohio National Guard in May 2015 as a vehicle maintenance technician. He completed undergraduate pilot training in 2022 before achieving pilot initial qualification in 2024, demonstrating the lengthy preparation required to operate complex military aircraft safely.

The fatal crash brings the total U.S. military death toll from Operation Epic Fury to 13 service members, including six killed in a March 1 Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Kuwait. Additionally, approximately 140 American forces have sustained wounds, eight of them severely, according to Pentagon disclosures earlier this week. The mounting casualties underscore the genuine dangers American service members confront even during operations their government characterizes as proceeding according to plan.

The KC-135 Stratotanker allows combat aircraft to refuel in flight, extending their operational range and enabling them to remain in battle zones for extended periods without returning to distant airbases. The aircraft can also be configured to transport cargo and medical patients, providing versatile capabilities essential to sustained military operations. The Air Force declined specifying what specific mission the aircraft involved in Thursday’s collision were performing when disaster struck.

For the families now mourning six exceptional Americans who perished serving their country, the circumstances of the crash matter far less than the devastating reality that loved ones will never return home. As investigations proceed and military officials work to prevent future accidents, these six names join the growing list of service members who paid the ultimate price during operations whose strategic necessity and eventual outcomes remain subjects of intense debate across a divided nation.

NewYorkPost/CNN

Jennifer Lopez Nearly Falls During Dance Number at Las Vegas Residency but Quickly Recovers on Stage

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Jennifer Lopez briefly stumbled during a high-energy dance routine at her Las Vegas residency this week but quickly regained her balance and continued performing, turning the near fall into a moment that drew cheers from the audience.

The incident occurred while Lopez was performing her 2011 hit On The Floor during a show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Video circulating on social media captured the moment when the 56-year-old singer appeared to lose her footing mid-routine, briefly stumbling as she danced across the stage.

Instead of stopping the performance, Lopez quickly recovered, laughing off the slip and resuming the choreography without missing a beat.

The brief mishap was recorded by a fan and shared online, where it quickly drew attention.

An Instagram user who posted the clip praised Lopez’s quick recovery, writing that few performers could bounce back from a stumble so smoothly.

Fans responding to the video applauded the performer’s professionalism and ability to stay in character despite the unexpected moment.

Lopez was wearing a black-and-white sparkling tuxedo-style stage costume during the performance, paired with nude-toned fishnet stockings that highlighted the singer’s choreography-heavy routine.

The energetic dance number is one of several elaborate segments in her current Las Vegas residency.

Lopez launched the latest run of shows on March 6, with performances scheduled through March 28 at Caesars Palace.

In the weeks leading up to the shows, Lopez had reportedly been working long hours rehearsing with her dancers and production team to perfect the performance.

Sources familiar with the preparations said the singer had spent extended days rehearsing choreography and staging to deliver a visually ambitious show.

Lopez has long been known for her demanding rehearsal schedule and commitment to high-energy live performances.

The singer’s residency arrives at a time when Las Vegas entertainment has become increasingly competitive, with several major productions drawing large crowds to the city.

One of the biggest attractions currently is Sphere, which has hosted technologically elaborate shows and concerts.

Industry observers say Lopez’s performances aim to prove that traditional concert productions at established venues can still deliver standout entertainment experiences.

Lopez has also hinted that the residency will feature surprise guest appearances from fellow artists.

During earlier shows, she welcomed Ja Rule to the stage, performing songs they collaborated on during the early 2000s.

Their hits include I’m Real and Ain’t It Funny, both of which helped define Lopez’s pop-R&B crossover success.

Speaking about the residency in interviews, Lopez described the production as a performance designed to showcase multiple sides of her career.

She said the show blends her biggest hits with new staging and choreography that present familiar songs in a fresh way.

Lopez also emphasized that performing live remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.

The residency comes more than a year after Lopez finalized her divorce from actor Ben Affleck, whom she married in 2022.

Despite the personal changes, Lopez has continued to maintain an active schedule in music, film and live performances.

At 56, the singer has said she remains energized by performing and proud to continue headlining major shows.

For many fans attending the Las Vegas show, Lopez’s quick recovery from the onstage stumble became a reminder of her experience as a live performer.

Moments like the brief slip are not uncommon during choreography-heavy concerts, particularly those involving complex staging and rapid movement.

But Lopez’s ability to laugh off the moment and continue the routine helped turn what could have been an awkward pause into a highlight of the evening.

As the residency continues through the end of March, the near fall is likely to be remembered less as a mistake and more as a testament to the performer’s stage presence and resilience during live shows.

Source: Dailymail

US-Israeli Strike on Isfahan Factory Kills 15 as Iran Launches New Missile Barrage at Israel

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 (Aljazeera) — A missile strike on an industrial site in central Isfahan killed at least 15 people Saturday, Iranian media reported, as fighting between Iran and Israel intensified with new missile launches and continued airstrikes.

The attack struck a factory producing heating and cooling equipment, where workers were reportedly on duty during the strike. Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency attributed the strike to joint forces from Israel and the United States.

The latest strike came on the 15th day of a widening conflict that Iranian officials say has caused heavy casualties across the country.

Iran’s Ministry of Health of Iran said the conflict has killed at least 1,444 people and injured more than 18,500 since the attacks began on Feb. 28.

Cities across the country have repeatedly come under fire as Israeli and American forces strike military and strategic targets.

In early March, shelling also damaged Russian Consulate in Isfahan, injuring staff members. Russia condemned the incident, calling it a “blatant violation” of international diplomatic protections.

Iranian officials say the war has also affected historic landmarks and cultural institutions.

The Ministry of Culture of Iran said Saturday that 56 museums and heritage sites have sustained damage since the fighting began.

Among them are Naqsh‑e Jahan Square, a centerpiece of the city built in the 17th century, and the Golestan Palace.

The UNESCO expressed concern over the reported damage, noting that four of Iran’s 29 World Heritage Sites have been affected by the conflict.

Separately, Iran’s military confirmed that Abdullah Jalali‑Nasab was killed in an Israeli strike.

In a statement, the army said the officer had been “martyred while defending the country,” reflecting the government’s description of military casualties during the war.

Earlier Saturday, U.S. forces also carried out strikes near Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports.

Local officials said oil operations on the island continued normally and reported no casualties from that strike.

President Donald Trump previously warned that the United States could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran continued interfering with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Prospects for negotiations to end the conflict remain uncertain.

Regional governments have attempted to mediate a ceasefire, but the White House signaled that Washington intends to continue military operations for now.

A senior U.S. official told Reuters that President Trump is focused on pressing ahead with the campaign rather than pursuing talks.

“He’s not interested in that right now, and we’re going to continue with the mission unabated,” the official said.

Iran has also rejected negotiations while strikes continue, according to an Iranian official cited by Reuters.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the U.S. military presence in the region, saying the American security framework had “proven to be full of holes” and urging neighboring countries to expel what he described as foreign aggressors.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the conflict was entering a “decisive phase” and would continue “as long as necessary.”

Amid the escalating conflict, Iran launched a new wave of missiles toward Israel on Saturday.

Explosions were heard above Jerusalem, according to journalists from Agence France‑Presse.

The Israel Defense Forces said six separate waves of missiles struck areas across the country.

Some of the weapons reportedly carried cluster munition warheads, the military said.

In the southern Israeli city of Eilat, an explosion caused by a cluster munition wounded three people, including a 12-year-old boy, according to The Times of Israel.

The strike in Isfahan underscores how the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States is increasingly spreading beyond military installations to include industrial facilities and critical infrastructure.

Analysts say both sides are attempting to weaken their opponent’s economic and logistical capacity while maintaining military pressure.

At the same time, the reported damage to cultural heritage sites highlights the broader risks of prolonged conflict in a region rich in historical landmarks.

With missile exchanges intensifying and diplomatic channels stalled, the war shows little sign of easing, raising concerns that the confrontation could expand further across the Middle East.

Kenya Flood Death Toll Rises to 62 as Heavy Rains Devastate Nairobi and Displace Thousands

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The death toll from severe flooding triggered by days of heavy rain across Kenya has climbed to 62 people, including eight children, as authorities and rescue teams continue searching for victims in submerged neighborhoods, police said Saturday.

The flooding has hit the capital Nairobi particularly hard, where officials confirmed 33 fatalities, the highest number reported in any region.

Police released the updated casualty figure in a statement posted on the social media platform X, noting that the number of victims could still rise as recovery operations continue.

Authorities said more than 2,000 families across the country have been forced from their homes as floodwaters inundated communities and destroyed property.

Emergency officials reported that intense rainfall continues to affect several regions, raising fears that conditions could worsen in the coming days.

Displaced families have sought refuge in temporary shelters while aid agencies work to provide food, water and other basic supplies.

Rescue workers began retrieving bodies from floodwaters in Nairobi last weekend after sudden overnight flash floods swept through large sections of the city.

The surging water carried away vehicles, inundated residential areas and caused widespread disruption to transportation.

Officials said dozens of cars were swept away by fast-moving currents during the initial flooding.

The extreme weather also disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the busiest aviation hub in East Africa.

Flights experienced delays and operational challenges as heavy rainfall and flooding affected airport infrastructure.

Authorities had initially reported 42 deaths last Sunday as emergency teams began assessing the scale of the disaster.

Since then, additional bodies have been recovered in flooded neighborhoods and riverbanks, pushing the official death toll to 62.

Police said search efforts remain ongoing in areas where floodwaters have receded, as responders continue to comb debris-filled streets and waterways.

Kenya often experiences heavy rains during seasonal weather patterns, but recent storms have produced particularly intense downpours.

Meteorologists say saturated ground and poor drainage in densely populated urban areas such as Nairobi can rapidly turn heavy rain into destructive flooding.

Low-lying settlements and informal housing areas are especially vulnerable, with limited infrastructure to channel excess water away from residential communities.

Government agencies, emergency responders and humanitarian groups have been working to assist victims and restore access to damaged areas.

Officials say displaced residents are receiving emergency relief while authorities assess the damage to homes, roads and utilities.

However, continued rainfall threatens to complicate rescue and recovery operations.

The disaster has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of rapidly expanding cities in East Africa to extreme weather events.

Urban growth in Nairobi has outpaced infrastructure improvements in many areas, leaving drainage systems overwhelmed during heavy storms.

Climate experts have also warned that rising global temperatures may increase the intensity of rainfall events in parts of Africa, heightening the risk of flash floods and other natural disasters.

For now, emergency crews remain focused on locating missing victims and helping displaced residents as Kenya confronts one of the deadliest flood events to hit the capital in recent years.

Originally Reuters

State Department Cuts Fee to Renounce U.S. Citizenship by 80%, Lowering Cost to $450

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(AP) — The U.S. Department of State has dramatically reduced the cost for Americans who want to formally renounce their citizenship, slashing the fee by about 80% to $450.

The change, published Friday in the Federal Register, lowers the price from $2,350, a fee that had been in place for nearly a decade.

Officials said the new amount took effect immediately and restores the cost to the same level first introduced in 2010, when the department began charging applicants to complete the renunciation process.

The decision follows years of legal challenges and advocacy from expatriate groups who argued that the high fee effectively prevented some Americans living abroad from exercising their right to give up citizenship.

Formally renouncing American citizenship involves an extensive procedure overseen by consular officers from the State Department.

Applicants must complete multiple written and verbal confirmations affirming that they understand the consequences of relinquishing citizenship. These attestations take place before a consular official and culminate in a formal oath of renunciation.

The application is then reviewed by the department before final approval is granted.

Officials say the steps are intended to ensure individuals fully understand the legal and personal implications of giving up their citizenship, which include losing the right to vote in U.S. elections and limitations on future travel or residency in the United States.

The State Department sharply raised the renunciation fee in 2015, increasing it from $450 to $2,350.

At the time, the department said the increase was necessary to cover administrative costs associated with processing renunciation applications.

The surge in requests was partly attributed to stricter tax reporting requirements for Americans living overseas, including policies requiring expatriates to disclose foreign bank accounts and financial assets to U.S. authorities.

Those rules drew strong criticism from many expatriates who said they faced complicated tax compliance requirements even while residing permanently outside the United States.

The steep fee increase prompted legal challenges from advocacy organizations representing Americans living abroad.

Among the most vocal groups was the Association of Accidental Americans, a France-based organization that argues many of its members are U.S. citizens only because they were born in the country.

Such individuals, often called “accidental Americans,” may have lived most of their lives overseas and maintain few connections to the United States beyond their birthplace.

The organization filed several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the renunciation fee, arguing that it placed an unreasonable barrier on a fundamental right.

One of those cases remains pending and asserts that the process of renouncing citizenship should be free of charge.

Fabien Lehagre welcomed the State Department’s decision to reduce the cost.

“The Association of Accidental Americans welcomes this decision, which acknowledges the necessity of making this fundamental right accessible to all,” Lehagre said in a statement.

He described the reduction as the result of years of legal advocacy and campaigning on behalf of expatriates seeking to relinquish citizenship.

According to court filings from the group, at least 8,755 Americans paid the full $2,350 fee after the State Department announced in 2023 that it intended to lower the cost but had not yet implemented the change.

The State Department has not released updated figures on the total number of Americans who have renounced citizenship in recent years.

The rule change comes amid broader debates in Washington over citizenship and voting laws.

Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation known as the SAVE America Act.

The proposal would require Americans to present documentary proof of citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — when registering to vote in federal elections.

Supporters say the measure is designed to prevent noncitizens from voting, while critics warn it could make voting more difficult for millions of Americans who lack immediate access to such documentation.

The bill passed largely along party lines by a 218–213 vote and now faces uncertain prospects in the United States Senate, where legislation generally requires 60 votes to advance past procedural hurdles.

Republican supporters of the bill argue it would strengthen enforcement of existing election laws.

Bryan Steil defended the proposal during committee deliberations, saying stricter verification measures are necessary to safeguard elections.

But Democrats and voting-rights advocates contend the policy could disenfranchise voters who lack readily available documentation proving citizenship.

Some election experts estimate that more than 20 million Americans of voting age do not have proof of citizenship immediately accessible.

Nearly half of Americans also do not hold a valid U.S. passport.

Opponents of the legislation say implementing such rules shortly before upcoming elections could create logistical challenges for state election officials.

Even though Republicans control the Senate, the legislation faces obstacles under the chamber’s procedural rules.

Advancing most bills requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, a threshold the measure currently appears unlikely to reach.

Some lawmakers have discussed alternative procedures that could allow extended debate, including the use of a “standing filibuster.”

Supporters say the idea could give the proposal a path forward, though it would likely involve lengthy floor debates.

Lisa Murkowski criticized the legislation, saying federal mandates could interfere with states’ authority to administer elections.

The State Department’s decision to cut the cost of renouncing citizenship highlights how issues surrounding nationality, taxation and political participation remain deeply intertwined in U.S. policy debates.

For Americans living abroad, the renunciation fee had become a symbol of frustration over complex tax regulations and administrative hurdles.

At the same time, discussions in Congress about voter eligibility and citizenship documentation underscore how questions of national identity and political participation continue to shape domestic politics.

While the fee reduction may ease the financial burden for expatriates considering renunciation, the broader conversation about citizenship — who holds it, how it is verified and what rights accompany it — is likely to remain a prominent issue in Washington in the years ahead.

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