Warner Bros.Today, it’s easy to forget that 1990s television was in the midst of an amazing science fiction renaissance. By 1996, two popular Star Trek series were airing — Voyager and Deep Space Nine — not to mention the final season of seaQuest, the golden era of The X-Files, Space: Above and Beyond, and the spaceflight series The Cape. But arguably, the sci-fi TV series that stood as a rival in 1996, at least in terms of a growing fandom, was Like , the story of B5 unfolded on a space station and also explored large-scale space wars and extensive interconnected serialized storylines. While the claim that DS9 copied B5 is mostly a thing of the past today, back then, there was tension between the two fan communities. So, Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski joined forces with a Star Trek insider, Majel Barrett — the widow of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. Often called Barrett guest-starred in a key episode of Babylon 5, which served as a sort of peacekeeping effort between the two fandoms. During the week of February 26, 1996, in the episode “Point of No Return,” Barrett played the character Lady Morella, and in doing so, made science fiction history.Majel Barrett in 1996. | Vinnie Zuffante/Archive Photos/Getty ImagesHalfway through Babylon 5’s third season, the show was taking bold risks, and the episode “Point of No Return” lives up to its literal name. The human characters are caught in a civil divide within EarthForce, while other alien species are trying to understand what happens if humanity turns against itself.Against this backdrop, the tragic character Londo Mollari (Peter Jurasik) is granted an audience with Centauri leader Lady Morella (Barrett), the widow of the recently deceased Emperor. In real life, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry passed away in 1991, and some of Barrett’s dialogue in this episode can be interpreted as a tribute to him. “He came to try to stop the madness that was approaching,” Lady Morella tells Londo. And upon her arrival, she says, “We have heard a great deal about the good work you’re doing here” — a nod to the idea that even though Babylon 5 wasn’t a Star Trek show, there was plenty in the series for all fans to love. Naturally, there were many Star Trek connections to B5 too. Walter Koenig was a frequent guest star, Harlan Ellison served as a creative consultant, D.C Fontana wrote for B5 in Season 1, Adam Nimoy directed several major episodes, Andreas Katsulas was both a Trek guest star and a B5 regular, and Straczynski was a huge Star Trek fan — he even penned an issue of DC’s Star Trek comic book series in 1991 titled “Worldsinger.”Thus, there was significant common ground between the B5 and Trek fandoms, and Straczynski wrote this role and episode specifically for Barrett. “She felt that the feud between a subset of Trek fans and B5 fans was pointless,” Straczynski “It was a really kind gesture, and it got us a fair amount of publicity, plus made some Trek fans give us a second chance.”Majel Barrett in Babylon 5, Season 3, Episode 9, “Point of No Return.” | Moviestore/ShutterstockAs Trek fans know, Barrett had a role , so her decision to guest-star in an entirely different franchise is not only surprising but also speaks to her generosity and broader love for science fiction.“I can truthfully say that being a Roddenberry in life weighed heavily on her,” B5 actor Peter Jurasik reflected in 1997. “When she enters a group of science fiction fans...everyone makes way for her, and people just sort of step back.”Thirty years later, this fascinating moment in science fiction culture remains just as heartfelt and engaging as it was in 1996. And if you’re a Trek fan who’s never gotten around to watching Babylon 5, this episode could be the perfect way to experience the “little space station that could” for the first time.Babylon 5 streams on the Roku Channel.
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Dozens of top Iranian regime officials and the supreme leader killed in Israeli strikes
On Saturday, the Israeli military stated it had killed dozens of members of Iran’s leadership during extensive, coordinated strikes in Iran—including the Supreme Leader The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) noted it had across Tehran “where senior officials of the Iranian defense establishment had gathered.” A senior Israeli security official informed that over 40 high-ranking Iranian security and regime figures were eliminated in the strikes. The official added that this was among the largest regime “decapitation operations” conducted in modern warfare history. He explained that Israeli intelligence successfully infiltrated the Iranian security echelon, making the strikes possible. According to the IDF, those killed included Ali Shamkhani—secretary of the who was also a personal advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader. The IDF said Mohammad Pakpour (also killed) had served as commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps since Operation ‘Rising Lion’ and was one of the leaders of the “destruction of Israel” plan. Per the IDF, additional fatalities included Saleh Asadi (head of the Intelligence Directorate of the Khatam al-Anbiya emergency command), Mohammad Shirazi (head of the Military Bureau of the Supreme Leader since 1989), Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian (who chaired an organization advancing nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons projects), and Reza Mozaffari-Nia (who previously chaired the same organization). President Donald Trump also confirmed on Saturday that Khamenei was killed in the strikes. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.” All the leaders had gathered at a compound in Tehran on Saturday morning. Multiple sources told that the strikes were moved up due to a “target of opportunity”—which is why they occurred during daytime in Iran, preserving the element of surprise. One source said: “There was a deliberate decision to accelerate the timeline.” A senior US defense official told : “This was a massive, wildly bold daytime attack. It caught the senior leadership off guard, a Saturday morning during Ramadan and on Shabbat in the daytime.” The source added: “We hit the senior leaders right out of the gate.”
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Israeli source confirms Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead after IDF strike on Tehran compoundWait, but let’s check again. The original has “hits” – “strike hits” → “strike on” is okay, but maybe “strike hits” is better to keep. So: I
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s militant and uncompromising supreme leader who governed the Islamic Republic for over three decades and presided over a period of severe domestic repression and conflict with the United States and Israel, has died after an Israeli strike on his Tehran compound—destroyed in the attack—according to a senior Israeli official who spoke to Digital."Khamenei was the longest-ruling autocrat in the modern Middle East. He didn’t stay in power by taking risks. He was an ideologue, but one who viciously worked to uphold and defend his beliefs, frequently advancing two steps then retreating one," Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of FDD’s Iran program, told Digital. "His worldview was shaped by militant anti-American and antisemitic views, which first emerged during his protests against Iran’s Shah," he added.Born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, Khamenei was among the Islamist activists who played a key role in the 1979 revolution that ousted the U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. A close ally of Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he rose through the new system and served as president from 1981 to 1989 before becoming supreme leader after Khomeini’s death that same year.Over decades in power, Khamenei tightened control over Iran’s political and security apparatus, overseeing repeated crackdowns on dissent and maintaining a hardline stance toward Washington and Jerusalem."Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s reign has been defined by unyielding brutality and repression—both inside Iran and abroad," said Lisa Daftari, an Iran expert and editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk. She cited executions and the enforcement of strict social controls as key hallmarks of the system under Khamenei’s leadership.His ultra-conservative leadership style did face challenges, however. In 2009, after Khamenei declared victory for incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in disputed elections, massive protests erupted across the country.Protests also broke out in 2022 after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, died in morality police custody for purportedly wearing her headscarf incorrectly. The protests were violently suppressed by his regime, with many arrested and executed.In late December, Iran was again shaken by protests and a brutal, forceful security response. According to an Iran International investigation, as many as 30,000 people may have been killed over two days—January 8 to 9, 2026.International monitors and human rights groups have repeatedly documented high execution rates in Iran in recent years as well. Amnesty International reported that Iranian authorities executed more than 1,000 people in 2025, calling it the highest annual figure the organization has recorded in at least 15 years. Separately, a U.N. report said Iran executed at least 975 people in 2024—the highest number since 2015.Regionally, Khamenei heavily invested in Iran’s network of allied militias and armed groups, a strategy to project Iranian power beyond its borders. From the West Bank and Gaza to backing terrorist groups such as in Lebanon, Houthi extremists in Yemen, and other militant factions in Iraq, Iran under Khamenei spent hundreds of millions of dollars on these groups.However, —along with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime—collapsed under Israeli military pressure following the October 7, 2023, attack. During a 12-day war in June 2025, Israel also eliminated some of Khamenei’s closest aides and senior security officials, leaving the long-serving leader significantly weakened.Yet analysts argue that Khamenei’s most enduring legacy may be the institutional framework he built at home to safeguard the regime.A recent report by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), authored by Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi, describes the Bayt, , as a parallel structure embedded across Iran’s military, economy, religious institutions, and bureaucracy.In an interview with Digital, Aarabi said, "It is the hidden nerve center of Iran’s regime… it operates as a state within a state." He argued that even Khamenei’s removal would not necessarily dismantle the system. "Even if he is eliminated, the Bayt as an institution enables the Supreme Leader to function," Aarabi said, adding, "Think of the Supreme Leader as an institution rather than just a single individual."Aarabi also warned that " on its own is not enough," calling for a broader strategy targeting the larger apparatus surrounding the supreme leader. "You have to dismantle the vast system he created," he said."Unlike Khomeini—the founding father of the Islamic Republic—Khamenei institutionalized his power. Today, the Islamic Republic is more a product of Khamenei than Khomeini," FDD’s Ben Taleblu added.
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85 Years Later, A Wild Sci-Fi Horror Is Worth Rediscovering
Paramount PicturesFrom The Man They Could Not Hang to The Walking Dead, the pre-war era found Hollywood fixated on the idea of reviving executed criminals. The Monster and the Girl, however, stood alone as the only such film to transplant a convict’s brain into a gorilla.Debuting 85 years ago today, this black-and-white curiosity was also the only film of its kind to give as much attention to as . When mild-mannered church organist Scot Webster (Philip Terry) is accused of murdering a gang member, the first half unfolds mostly like a standard legal thriller.Flashbacks interspersed throughout the trial confirm he’s an innocent man framed by head mobster W.S. Bruhl (Paul Lukas) to serve two purposes at once: the victim was a former associate who needed elimination, and after Scot learned—horrified—that his sister Susan (Ellen Drew) had been forced into prostitution by the big-city gang, he quickly became a nuisance.Since 1941 was still deep in the Hays Code era, The Monster and the Girl had to handle Susan’s predicament carefully. “Doing a little drinking, a little dancing, making the yokels happy” is how Bruhl describes her forced work. Even so, the film ran afoul of the censorship board, which objected to its themes of white slavery and the suggestion that juries could be controlled by criminal forces.Despite its tight 64-minute runtime, director Stuart Heisler—whose eclectic resume ranges from the family-friendly canine film The Biscuit Eater to a Hitler biopic—finds time to develop Susan and Scot’s relationship. A candid flashback conversation cleverly establishes why Susan was so eager to escape small-town life, and why Scot, who’s fully content with his own life, feels such a strong need to protect her.The gorilla and the not-so-mad scientist. | Paramount PicturesSusan’s guilt over how her big-city dreams led to Scot’s tragic downfall is also palpable, especially in the opening monologue where she speaks directly to the camera, dramatically emerging from a cloud of mist. “I'm Susan, the bad luck penny,” she claims. “I bought a million dollars' worth of trouble… for everybody.”Still, most moviegoers paid a quarter for the monster, not the girl. After a talkative, relatively grounded first half, the film finally embraces its outlandishness when Dr. Perry (George Zucco) asks Scot to donate his brain for an experiment supposedly meant to “help benefit the human race.” Thoroughly defeated after being sentenced to death row, Scot’s remarkably casual reply is: “Help yourself, mister.”The bad luck penny and her soon-to-be gorillafied brother. | Paramount PicturesIt’s never made clear exactly why transferring Scot’s brain into a gorilla would aid mankind. And unlike earlier mad scientist films, Perry isn’t portrayed as a maniacal villain—instead, he’s a benevolent MacGuffin. Yet this wild scheme allowed Paramount Pictures to make a rare foray into horror: Scot, now emboldened by his bestial new form, goes on a vengeful rampage to avenge his death and save his sister.Again, Heisler is limited in what he can show: only one of the gorilla’s multiple killings is depicted on camera, with the rest revealed via police reports (“practically every bone in his body was broken”) that earn him the nickname “The Mangled Murderer.” But thanks to suspenseful, noirish cinematography by Oscar winner Victor Milner and a surprisingly convincing costume—especially by 1941 standards—his reign of terror still carries a fear factor, particularly in a tense nighttime sequence where he stalks his prey across the city’s rooftops.Dr. Perry showing off his unique approach to brain surgery. | Paramount PicturesAn expressive performance from Charlie Gemora—who also played an ape in the 1932 chiller Murders in the Rue Morgue—brings unexpected pathos to an undeniably silly premise: whether the gorilla is watching over Susan as she sleeps, knowing he’s lost their sibling bond forever; or when Scot’s beloved dog seems to recognize his master despite his new form as a murderous primate; or when the gorilla’s quest for revenge inevitably ends in tragedy.The Monster and the Girl remains a true one-off: a mad scientist movie that refuses to paint its scientist as mad; a monster flick that waits until the halfway point to even hint at a monster’s presence; a gritty crime drama interrupted by an 800-pound gorilla. No matter which genre it leans into, it’s always entertaining. A contemporaneous review with wonderfully verbose prose said it best: “A chiller-diller that will send fans of goose-pimply melodrama from the theaters amply satisfied.”The Monster and the Girl is available on .
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by: nicole
Iranian strike appears responsible for Dubai hotel fire; injuries reported
Four individuals sustained injuries in a hotel fire in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah district following reports of a loud explosion, which coincided with retaliatory strikes launched in the Middle East.In a Saturday statement, the Dubai Media Office—a government body—announced that the location had been secured and the fire was under control.“The safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors remain the highest priority. Authorities continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the public. The public is urged to remain calm, rely solely on verified information from official sources, and refrain from circulating videos or images on social media,” the media office stated.Dubai officials confirmed that an “incident” took place in a building within the Palm Jumeirah area, and emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene—though they did not elaborate on the incident’s cause.According to reports, United Arab Emirates (UAE) forces intercepted an Iranian aerial attack, which was in retaliation for U.S. forces carrying out Operation Epic Fury against Iran.Retaliatory actions against U.S. and Israeli attacks have focused on Israel and U.S. assets across the Middle East. Explosions have been reported in multiple countries hosting U.S. military forces, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.Numerous Gulf nations condemned attacks on their territories and affirmed solidarity with their regional neighbors.Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stated it reserves its “full right” to defend itself following what it described as attacks targeting Qatari territory, while Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry warned of “grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states’ sovereignty and the principles of international law.”The UAE’s Ministry of Defense said the country “was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,” adding that air defense systems “successfully intercepted a number of missiles.” It also stated the UAE “reserves its full right to respond.”
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Did they get him? Khamenei’s fate uncertain after Israeli strike levels his compound
Editor’s Note: Hours after publication of this article, Israel confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.As smoke still lingered over Tehran, one question gripped both the region and Washington: Did they get him?In the wake of the Israel-U.S. strikes—during which the Israeli Air Force targeted infrastructure tied to Iran’s senior leadership—rumors circulated that Ayatollah , Iran’s 86-year-old supreme leader, had been killed.Satellite images showed severe damage to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s fortified compound, including buildings believed to serve as his residence and the so-called House of Leadership. Parts of the complex looked to have been reduced to rubble.Regional reports suggested a high-level meeting of Khamenei’s top deputies might have been in progress when the strike hit. Iranian semi-official media also noted missiles struck near the presidential palace and other north of the capital.Speaking to the nation on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Hebrew, "There are growing signs indicating Khamenei is gone."Israeli officials told Digital they were still assessing the results and that it was too early to confirm the 86-year-old supreme leader’s fate. They did not rule out the possibility he had been killed., however, insisted the country’s leadership—including Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian—remained safe, according to The Guardian, despite what they described as an assassination attempt. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the BBC he could not confirm whether Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been eliminated.The long-serving cleric has survived decades of internal unrest, assassination plots and foreign pressure. He rarely appears in public without multiple layers of security and is thought to operate through a tightly controlled network of loyalists embedded across Iran’s military, intelligence and political institutions.In an exclusive Digital report earlier this week, researchers detailed how Khamenei runs what amounts to a formal government structure."The Bayt is the hidden nerve center of Iran’s regime… it acts as a state within a state," Kasra Aarabi, director of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) research at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told Digital.Aarabi warned that even if Khamenei himself were removed, the institutional machinery he built—with roughly 4,000 core staff and a broader network of tens of thousands—could keep functioning."Even if he is eliminated, the Bayt as an institution allows the Supreme Leader to operate," Aarabi said. "Think of the Supreme Leader as an institution, not just a single person."That reality complicates the situation.For decades, Khamenei has positioned himself not just as a political leader but as the apex of a system designed to survive shocks—whether from domestic protests or foreign military pressure.The 86-year-old cleric has faced repeated waves of unrest, including mass protests in 2009, 2022 and early 2026. Each time, his regime cracked down forcefully, tightening control instead of fracturing.He has also weathered years of covert operations, cyber campaigns and targeted strikes against key Iranian figures across the region.Still, the scale of the latest strike appears unprecedented.If confirmed dead, Khamenei’s killing would mark the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership since the 1979 revolution. It would also raise immediate a system he carefully engineered to avoid sudden collapse.If he survived, it would reinforce his reputation for resilience—and underscore how hard it is to dismantle the core of Iran’s power structure.For now, officials say assessments are ongoing, and the question may be answered in the very near future.
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Israel’s unprecedented military flyover strikes Iranian military targets
Israel executed its largest military flyover to date, with approximately 200 fighter jets conducting simultaneous airstrikes that targeted Iranian positions.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday released video footage of its airstrike on missile launchers in western Iran, as Israel and the U.S. participated in a joint operation against Tehran.The IDF stated that the fighter jets operated under the guidance of IDF intelligence and the Israeli Air Force, carrying out an "extensive attack" against the Iranian regime's missile and defense systems in western and central Iran."This represents the largest military flyover in the history of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), executed with precise planning and high-quality intelligence, involving the simultaneous synchronization of hundreds of fighter jets," the IDF declared.Fighter jets deployed hundreds of munitions against approximately 500 targets, which included aerial defense systems and missile launchers, thereby achieving air superiority over Iran and significantly diminishing its offensive capacities."The military flyover successfully neutralized numerous threats to both IAF fighter jets and Israeli civilians," the IDF reported, further noting that the IAF remains operational .VIEW ADDITIONAL ISRAELI STRIKES ON IRANIAN TARGETS:Israel confirmed its involvement shortly after explosions were reported in Tehran on Saturday morning. One of the initial strikes occurred near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei's location at the time was not immediately clear, as he had not been publicly seen for several days.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the nationwide attacks as actions taken "to remove threats."An official familiar with the operation, who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously to discuss nonpublic information, stated that Iran's military, government symbols, and intelligence sites were among the targets.A President stated that the joint endeavor constituted a massive operation aimed at dismantling the country's military capabilities and neutralizing the threat of it developing a nuclear weapon. Regarding the U.S.-Israeli military operation.Iran initiated retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. bases in neighboring countries across the Gulf region, leading many Arab nations to .Rachel Wolf of Digital, alongside The Associated Press, contributed to this report.
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Iran’s terror proxies spanning Iraq to Lebanon declare readiness to respond to US-Israel attacks
The Islamic Republic of Iran has assembled a coalition consisting mostly of Shiite terrorist proxies — the axis of resistance — that is prepared to stand with Tehran in launching counterstrikes in reaction to the joint preventive attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran’s military facilities and leadership.The most perilous of Iran’s allies is its primary strategic partner, which is . Israel’s military had been aggressively targeting Hezbollah positions in the lead-up to the U.S. campaign, Under the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is required to disarm Hezbollah. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin stated on Friday that "In Lebanon, we continue to take daily action against attempts by the Hezbollah terrorist organization ."He added, "An instance of this is the strike we conducted yesterday in the Baalbek region, during which we targeted ammunition storage facilities and neutralized terrorists from the Radwan Force. We will not permit Hezbollah to reconstruct its capabilities and pose a threat to Israeli civilians."A Hezbollah official stated on Wednesday that the jihadi terrorist organization will not intervene militarily if the U.S. delivers "limited" strikes against Iran. Yet the Hezbollah official emphasized they regard any attack against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah as a "red line."According to the Israel-based Alma Research and Education Center (Alma), "Hezbollah maintains a substantial combat force, estimated at around active combatants and an additional 30,000–50,000 reservists. Central to its offensive structure is the Radwan Unit, which Hezbollah is making major efforts to rebuild and restore."IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, president and founder of Alma in northern Israel, told Digital that the "Lebanese army is not expending significant effort to disarm Hezbollah. The outcome of that is good intentions are just words. As a resident of the north, I have not seen any systematic disarmament."Edy Cohen, a Lebanese-born Israeli scholar of Hezbollah, told Digital the "Lebanese population does not see Hezbollah as resistance" because Hezbollah lost its recent war against Israel. He stated Hezbollah failed in its efforts to aid to defeat Israel after its Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of the Jewish state.The second Iranian-backed proxy is the Shiite militia movement in Iraq. Entifadh Qanbar, a former spokesman for the deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, told Digital he believes the Shiite militia will join Iran in the war: "Many second-tier Shia leaders, militia lords as I like to call them, harbor ambitions to rise and challenge the aging top-tier leadership. They have accumulated enormous wealth, and the only way they can compete with the old guard is by proving to Iran that they are bold, reckless and ready to fight in defense of Tehran."He added, "Their ambitions have blinded their rational thinking. These are militia terrorists with little understanding of the outside world, yet they are dangerously overconfident. They are loose cannons, completely out of control and Iran is prepared to throw them into the fire because they are expendable. That is why you see Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq issuing threats, while older, more established militias like Hezbollah Lebanon have made it clear they will not participate."The pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses the U.S. of bombing its positions and pledged a retaliatory response on Saturday. Kataeb Hezbollah said the U.S. is responsible for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base housing the Iranian proxy militia. The Iraqi terrorist group says it will "soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks."The third part of the axis of resistance is the Houthi movement in Yemen.The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have decided to resume missile and drone attacks on shipping routes and on Israel in support of Iran, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because there is no official announcement from the Houthi leadership, per the Associated Press.One of the officials said the rebels’ first attack could come as soon as "tonight." Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip is also part of the axis of resistance and Hamas and Iran are partners in their campaigns to destroy the Jewish state.
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Gulf nations denounce Iran’s retaliatory attacks on their soil after US-Israel action
Arab nations are voicing strong criticism following Iran's launch of strikes against U.S. assets in neighboring regional countries. These actions were taken in retaliation for joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership.According to a report from Jennifer Griffin, the Iranian retaliation struck multiple locations, though U.S. bases in Oman were notably excluded. This omission is attributed to Omani diplomatic efforts, as the Omani foreign minister had been mediating nuclear talks in Geneva and even traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Friday in an attempt to prevent a rapidly escalating regional war.Griffin's report indicated that around 40 missiles struck Israel. Separately, U.S. forces in Iraq successfully intercepted at least one missile aimed at American facilities. Iran also seemed to have struck the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, though no casualties were reported from that incident.Further reports from Griffin stated that Iran launched missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and Jordan, both of which host squadrons of advanced U.S. fighter jets.Nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates were among those denouncing the Iranian strikes. Several affirmed their reserved right to self-defense and to respond appropriately to any attacks on their sovereign soil.Qatar’s Foreign Ministry asserted its "full right" to defend itself following what it characterized as attacks targeting Qatari territory. The Qatari Defense Ministry stated it had "successfully thwarted a number of attacks targeting the country’s territory" after several alert sirens were activated. Officials reported no immediate injuries or damage in residential zones.Saudi Arabia declared its "full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries" and cautioned about "grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states' sovereignty and the principles of international law."The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defense reported the nation "was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles," noting that its air defense systems "successfully intercepted a number of missiles." Authorities confirmed that falling debris in a residential area resulted in "one civilian death of an Asian nationality" along with property damage.The UAE ministry labeled the assault "a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability," and emphasized that the UAE "reserves its full right to respond."Jordan's foreign minister issued a statement, conveying that King Abdullah II "condemns the attack on the territories of Jordan, and any attacks on Arab countries," and expressing Jordan’s "solidarity with the brotherly Arab countries in confronting any aggressions that affect their sovereignty, security, and stability."Egypt also stated it "strongly condemns the Iranian attacks," adding that it "affirms its full solidarity with these fellow Arab States and firmly rejects any violation of their sovereignty, any threat to their security, or any action undermining their stability."In a separate development, the Omani Foreign Ministry condemned the initial U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran."The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Sultanate of Oman's profound regret over the military operations launched by Israel and the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran, warning of the danger of the conflict expanding into consequences that cannot be rectified in the region," the Omani Foreign Ministry said, according to a translation from X."The Sultanate of Oman considers this action to be in contravention of the rules of international law and the principle of resolving issues through peaceful means rather than hostile means, the shedding of blood, and calls on all parties to immediately suspend military operations, while urging the United Nations Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to impose a ceasefire and for the international community to take a clear stance in support of international law," the statement continued. Digital's Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.
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Exiled crown prince urges Iranian people to ‘complete the task’, lauds Trump’s ‘humanitarian intervention’
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, characterized the joint U.S.-Israeli assault on the nation as the promised "aid" and a deed of "humanitarian intervention" by the President.Subsequent to the reported strikes, Pahlavi encouraged Iranians to forsake the regime and appealed to security forces to defect."Moments of destiny are upon us," Pahlavi stated in a social media announcement. "Even with the arrival of this aid, the ultimate victory will still be wrought by our own hands. It is we, the people of Iran, who will see this final battle through to the end. The time to return to the streets is drawing near."Pahlavi asserted that the [regime] is crumbling.He portrayed the reported strikes as aid aimed not at Iran itself, but at its governing clerical establishment and urged the U.S. to "exert the greatest prudence" to safeguard civilian lives."The aid that the President of the United States pledged to the valiant people of Iran has now arrived," Pahlavi penned. "This is a humanitarian intervention; its target is the Islamic Republic, its repressive mechanisms, and its killing machinery — not the nation and magnificent people of Iran."Pahlavi delivered a forthright warning to Iran’s military, police, and security services, urging them to part ways with Supreme Leader ."As the Islamic Republic is collapsing, my message to the country's military, police, and security forces is unambiguous: You have sworn an oath to safeguard Iran and the Iranian people — not the Islamic Republic and its leaders," he penned."Your responsibility is to defend the people, not a regime that has held our homeland captive through repression and crime. Join the people and aid in effecting a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will sink with Khamenei's failing vessel and his regime."His appeal echoed previous opposition endeavors to persuade Iran’s security forces to switch allegiances — a move that could decide whether protests spread or the regime tightens its hold.While foreseeing imminent transformation, Pahlavi refrained from urging immediate street demonstrations. He cautioned citizens to stay in their homes and stay alert so that when he proclaims an "opportune time," Iranians can "rejoin the streets for the final push.""We are on the cusp of final victory," he wrote. "I long to be by your side as soon as possible so that together we can retake and reconstruct Iran."He also stated he would sustain communication even if authorities moved to curtail internet or satellite access — a tactic Iranian officials have employed during preceding waves of unrest.Pahlavi expressed support while once more urging caution to evade civilian casualties."I now entreat you to exert the greatest prudence to safeguard the lives of civilians and my fellow countrymen," he penned, adding that "the people of Iran are your natural allies and those of the free world."Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has resided in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution overthrew Iran’s monarchy and founded the Islamic Republic.In recent years, he has endeavored to establish himself as a unifying opposition figure during waves of , including demonstrations ignited by economic unrest and the passing of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
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by: emer
CALB (3931.HK) Announced a Positive Profit Alert
HONG KONG, Feb 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – CALB Group Co., Ltd. ("CALB" or "the Company," stock code: 3931.HK) published a positive profit announcement. The Company is expected to record a net profit ranging from approximately RMB2,025 million to RMB2,193 million for the year ended 31 December 2025, representing an increase ranging from approximately 140% to 160% as compared to the net profit of RMB844 million for the same period last year. The expected growth is primarily driven by the continuous high growth of leading-edge technology products across business sectors, including passenger applications and commercial applications as well as ESS cells.CALB stated that, the Company adheres to a dual-drive strategy focusing on EV and ESS while actively promoting its global expansion. In 2025, all business segments of the Company achieved rapid growth, with both EV and ESS businesses ranking among the global top four, continuously increasing market share, and further solidifying its position as a leading industry player. In the power battery sector, leveraging its exceptional product capabilities, CALB successfully secured orders from multiple leading international automakers and achieved remarkable growth in the high-end passenger vehicle market. Delivery volumes for commercial vehicle power batteries saw dramatic growth, significantly exceeding expectations, and the successful strategic deployment in the commercial vehicle, including heavy trucks, further strengthened the Company's competitive advantage in the market. The ESS cells sector also maintained strong momentum, with cell shipments again achieving multiple-fold growth and securing several benchmark projects in key global markets. In response to accelerating global expansion and rapidly growing customer demand, the Company has been swiftly implementing a new round of capacity planning, providing robust support for its global delivery capabilities. The substantial business expansion and the deepening of the Company's global footprint were the key drivers behind the significant revenue growth.As a battery expert, CALB has been adhering to the philosophy of technological innovation, maintaining its leading position in both product and technology. During the year, the Company maintained its leadership in cutting-edge battery technology with the “UP” battery. Its 5C super-charged LFP battery successfully supported XPeng's entire new vehicle lineup. The 400Wh/kg semi-solid battery has entered the vehicle trial phase. The all-solid-state battery has achieved superior performance, with the commissioning of a dedicated production line. The high-power LFP R46 cylindrical cell achieved mass production for PHEV models. The 314Ah Gen2 long-cycle ESS cells, with its ultra-long service life of 15,000 cycles, has earned high recognition from global customers. The next-generation "ZHIJIU" of 588Ah and 600Ah+ large ESS cells have successfully entered the mass production stage. Concurrently, the Company has actively been exploring emerging markets. Leveraging its technological platform, CALB has achieved mass production of its high energy density, high-safety high-nickel cylindrical battery for leading eVTOL models, while simultaneously expanding the application of its all-solid-state battery into the robotics and eVTOL sectors.With a global footprint and a steadfast commitment to innovation-led growth, CALB has built an all-scenario business layout, injecting strong momentum for sustained future profit growth.About CALBCALB is a new energy enterprise specializing in the research, production, sales, and market application development of lithium batteries, battery management systems, and related integrated products and lithium battery materials. As Battery Expert, we aim to build a comprehensive energy operation system, to provide complete product solutions and full life-cycle management for the new energy application market, represented by power and energy storage.Currently, CALB has completed an all-round layout in domestic by setting up industrial bases in Changzhou, Xiamen, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hefei, Jiangmen and Meishan. Meanwhile, CALB has set up bases in Europe and ASEAN, vigorously expanding the layout all over the world to become a global leading enterprise with large-scale intelligent manufacturing capabilities. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
49 Years Later, Star Wars’ Biggest Flex Is Breaking Its Oldest Tradition
Lucasfilm The Star Wars franchise has consistently created stars. Harrison Ford transformed from a carpenter into a leading man in numerous action films. Carrie Fisher, though Hollywood royalty, used Star Wars as a springboard for her writing career. Mark Hamill evolved from a novice actor to achieving the pinnacle of celebrity: guest-hosting The Muppet Show. However, its upcoming original film represents a departure: producing a Star Wars movie akin to other blockbuster space operas, featuring an established star and director. A recent statement from that actor demonstrates the narrative stands on its own as a quality film, not merely a good Star Wars installment. Ryan Gosling is undoubtedly the most major star to headline a Star Wars film. | Michael Buckner/Variety/Getty Images Ryan Gosling is currently promoting his latest film, Project Hail Mary, with extraordinary effort. He's performing skits on Jeopardy, sharing mysterious videos, and literally throwing Hail Mary passes with a football. Yet this is typical of Gosling's star persona: he's the subject of "Hey Girl" memes and the lead actor in The Notebook. So why would such a major celebrity join Star Wars: Starfighter, Shawn Levy's forthcoming Star Wars installment? In a recent interview, Gosling credited the narrative itself. "It was Shawn's enthusiasm and his vision and the script," Gosling explained. "I had steered clear of these projects because they never seemed right. I'm grateful I waited, because this, [like] a book like this, [was] worth waiting for. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance." While it may seem odd, most Star Wars projects have historically cast relatively unknown actors. Prior to The Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal was recognized primarily for Narcos and his brief, striking role in Game of Thrones. Before the sequel trilogy, Oscar Isaac was known for Inside Llewyn Davis and Ex Machina. The original trilogy's most notable established star was Alec Guinness, who had enjoyed a substantial career in the 1950s and 1960s. Star Wars has consistently launched the careers of unknown performers. | Denver Post/Denver Post/Getty Images Selecting Gosling for this film could be a gamble, yet it follows standard practice beyond the Star Wars realm. Perhaps treating a Star Wars film like a conventional production could revitalize the franchise, which remains damaged following the controversial 2019 release of The Rise of Skywalker. This May, The Mandalorian & Grogu will transfer the beloved series to cinemas, but Star Wars cannot rely solely on television spinoffs. Perhaps the path forward involves creating films that don't feel like franchise installments. Star Wars: Starfighter arrives in theaters May 28, 2027.
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by: emer
Unisound U1-OCR: The First Industrial-Grade Document Intelligence Foundation Model, Ushering in the OCR 3.0 Era
BEIJING, Feb 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Feb 26, Unisound has officially launched its Unisound U1-OCR, the world's first industrial-grade foundation model for document intelligence, a groundbreaking release that ushers in the OCR 3.0 era and sets a new industry standard with five core strengths: SOTA performance, verifiable results, out-of-the-box functionality, efficient deployment, and robust adaptability.Document intelligence leverages AI to automatically read, understand, classify digitized documents and extract key information. OCR 1.0 only enabled basic text recognition, while OCR 2.0 added preliminary layout understanding capabilities. U1-OCR takes a quantum leap to OCR 3.0, moving far beyond layout recognition to deliver deep semantic insight, automatic document classification and business-level information extraction—marking a transformative shift from "character perception" to "document cognition".As a SOTA-level document intelligence model, U1-OCR resolves the longstanding bottleneck of traditional models that "recognize text but fail to grasp layout", enabling it to interpret complex documents like human experts. It pioneers a "semantic-driven + dynamic focus" strategy, first mapping a document's hierarchical structure of headings and structural metadata before extracting content on demand, and builds a semantic map to identify the relationship between titles, charts and text—even in disorganized layouts. Its enhanced spatial alignment module leverages positional data to accurately restore document structure for dense tables and mixed text-image content, effectively mitigating spatial recognition errors. Equipped with Multi-Token Prediction technology and full-task reinforcement learning, it boosts reasoning efficiency by over 80%, ensuring logical coherence for long documents.Trained with multi-task collaborative reinforcement learning and optimized for both semantics and coordinates, U1-OCR suppresses spatial hallucinations for reliable outputs, and achieves SOTA results across major authoritative benchmarks: scoring 95.1 in OmniDocBench V1.5, outperforming leading models like GLM-OCR and Gemini-3-Pro; hitting an F1 score of 90.8 in D4LA and 95.9 in DocLayNet, excelling in table recognition and cross-page association; and outperforming models such as Gemini-2.5-Flash and Qwen-2.5-VL in internal business tests, with standout performance in medical document processing such as admission and discharge records.Figure: Comparison of Unisound U1-OCR Evaluation Scores on OmniDocBench V1.5Built for real-world industrial applications, U1-OCR features four key capabilities that bridge the gap between document understanding and business action. Its proprietary "coordinate-text-semantics" architecture enables pixel-level positioning and full evidence traceability, making audit processes transparent and efficient. Integrated with Unisound's industry expertise in healthcare and finance, it achieves over 99% classification accuracy for more than 50 common business documents, supporting cross-field logical verification with zero-shot capabilities. It supports private on-premise and offline deployment while delivering highly efficient document processing, meeting strict data privacy requirements for government, healthcare, and finance sectors while lowering hardware costs. Most notably, it delivers stable, high-precision performance in extreme scenarios—including non-standard photos, blurred documents, complex formatting and multilingual text—freeing businesses from reliance on standardized document formats.Validated in real-world use cases, U1-OCR enables visual traceability of extracted information, automatic classification of mixed documents, performing intelligent image purification for cluttered layouts, and accurate recognition of complex nested tables with full structural retention.The launch of U1-OCR marks AI's evolution from simple text recognition to business logic comprehension, a key step for Unisound toward AGI. By taking multimodal documents as a knowledge entry point, Unisound is empowering machines with autonomous reasoning and evidence traceability capabilities, driving AI from perceptual intelligence to cognitive intelligence—with the vision to build a general intelligent agent that reads, thinks and solves complex problems like humans, turning every document into a stepping stone to AGI.CONTACT: june@intelligentjoy.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
After 15 Years, A Star Wars Fan Favorite Shares His One Rule For A Major Comeback
LucasfilmStar Wars enthusiasts are familiar with both the start and the prolonged conclusion of Darth Maul's journey, due to his puzzling return in The Clone Wars and his unexpectedly satisfying antagonist storyline in Rebels. However, if there's one thing the franchise adores, it's a midquel—and Maul follows a series of beloved characters in receiving one.Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord will explore an uncharted period in the villain's galactic timeline, beginning immediately after the Clone Wars and revealing how Maul evolved into the crime lord briefly glimpsed (in live-action) in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Maul has been a presence for years now, yet he's never led his own show or film. Though that may seem long overdue, it's not completely essential; even Sam Witwer, who has voiced the character since 2012, appears to recognize there's a significant risk of repetition."You don't dare bring this character back unless there's something interesting to say," Witwer recently told Star Wars Insider (via ). This applies to Maul—whose narrative could have concluded at least three times already—as much as it does to his lesser-known apprentice, Savage Opress. According to Witwer, Savage is poised to have a significant part in Maul's upcoming journey, prompting some essential self-reflection for the former Sith lord.Savage Opress will continue to influence his former master in Maul – Shadow Lord. | LucasfilmSavage was actually the character who brought Maul back from the dead. He debuted in Clone Wars as a sort of stand-in for Maul, selected by Count Dooku's former apprentice, , to become her new protégé. Savage becomes powerful through mystical interference from the Nightsisters of Dathomir, and after finally escaping Ventress's control, he's commanded to locate his "brother" who has strayed from his path. He discovers Maul on the junk world Lotho Minor, improbably surviving despite being cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Phantom Menace. As master and apprentice, the duo lives up to their menacing names, destroying any Jedi who crosses them. Nevertheless, they're no match for the sinister Emperor Palpatine, who kills Savage to teach Maul a lesson about .Though Savage's influence starts and stops with The Clone Wars, Witwer confirms that the apprentice will factor into Maul's upcoming chapter. "He's exploring his own identity while also reflecting on his brother, Savage Opress, his first apprentice and family," the actor stated. "Did he treat Savage as well as he should have, given his loyalty? No. But now he's finally evaluating that and recognizing, 'I failed him.'"Maul's failure with Savage won't prevent him from attempting once more with a new apprentice. | LucasfilmSavage probably won't physically reappear in Shadow Lord, but his presence will cast a long shadow as Maul works to rebuild. At minimum, it will only intensify his loathing for Palpatine, who currently governs the galaxy with absolute authority. And it will certainly shape his connection with a new apprentice, Devon Izara, a former Jedi Padawan who likewise despises the Empire. Admittedly, this covers some familiar territory that other animated Star Wars series have already thoroughly explored—but it also presents a genuinely fascinating chance for development.Shadow Lord takes place between The Clone Wars and Rebels, during which Maul attempted to recruit another, final apprentice in . His alliance with Devon could reveal much about his drives and anxieties in Rebels. Will understanding his failure with Savage enable Maul to approach things differently with Devon? Since we know nothing about this new character and her destiny, is Maul fated to fail her as well? There's more to discover about Maul than appears: a neglected figure from his history could unlock an entirely new region of the galaxy.Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord debuts on April 6 on Disney+.
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by: jenn
Dante Receives a Major Upgrade in ‘Devil May Cry’ Season 2
NetflixAfter waiting a year for the new season, fans of the Netflix adaptation are in for a chrome-plated surprise and a little something extra upon its return. The animated series (from the same studio as the successful production) has a fairly even split of fans and critics, stemming from the fact that it is a drastic reinvention of the game's narrative. The story features Dante, a half-human, half-demon bounty hunter, safeguarding humanity from demonic forces while attempting to mend his Shakespearean dysfunctional bond with his twin brother, Vergil. The Netflix series heavily remixed the game's canon by introducing the fictional paramilitary group Dark Realm Command (DARKCOM) and reinterpreting the human-demon conflict as an allegory for post-9/11 paranoia.Despite the mixed reactions to the show's numerous changes, Devil May Cry was successful enough to secure a second season with a relatively quick production turnaround. With the show's return just over three months away, Netflix has provided a look at the familiar additions to Dante's arsenal that he will utilize as humanity wages a holy crusade against the demon realm.In the short clip, Dante receives his iconic dual-wielded, two-toned M1911 handguns, affectionately named Ebony and Ivory, and immediately demonstrates their devastating power. Crafted by the gifted gunsmith Nell Goldstein, these guns appear in every installment of the video game series and are renowned for their incredibly high rate of fire and juggling capability, which are essential for maintaining the stylish combos the games are famous for.Naturally, the guns are presented to Dante by Nell herself, who is set to appear in the second season of the TV series. Although she never appears directly in the games, Nell is a significant figure in Dante's life, serving as a motherly figure in the 2002 Devil May Cry prequel novel. Her granddaughter, Nico, was introduced in 2019’s Devil May Cry 5 as a support character who supplies equipment to Dante's nephew, Nero; while unlikely, it is possible we might see a much younger or repurposed version of her in the series.Dante’s handguns have earned a spot on the Mount Rushmore of video game firearms. | CapcomOne of the many recurring Easter eggs in the game is an engraving on the side of Ivory that reads “For Tony Redgrave, By .45 Art Warks,” referencing the fact that the entire franchise originated as a potential direction for Resident Evil 4, in which Dante was known as “Tony.” Interestingly, the 2002 prequel novel offers an in-universe explanation for this, revealing that Dante spent time as a young mercenary using that alias. In the season 2 sneak peek, Dante's recent ally Lady notes that the engraving refers to his “old mercenary alias.” Whether the upcoming season will offer fans a look into Dante's murky past remains to be seen, but what is certain is that with DARKCOM committing to a full-scale invasion of demonkind, he is going to need all the firepower he can acquire.Devil May Cry Season 2 arrives on Netflix on May 12, 2026.
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by: nicole
UN Human Rights Council chief interrupts speaker criticizing US-sanctioned official
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) suddenly cut short a video statement once the speaker started criticizing multiple UN officials—among them one who had been sanctioned by the Trump administration. The video was aired during a UN session in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday morning.Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and president of Human Rights, singled out several UN officials in her message, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and special rapporteur Francesca Albanese—who is under U.S. sanctions.On July 9, 2025, the Secretary of State imposed sanctions on Albanese, stating that she "has spread unapologetic antisemitism, voiced support for terrorism, and shown open disdain for the United States, Israel, and the West.""This bias has been evident throughout her career, such as suggesting that the ICC issue arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant without any valid justification," Rubio added."I was the only U.S.-based NGO accredited by the UN to have a speaking slot, yet I wasn’t permitted to finish my 90 seconds of allocated time. There’s no free speech at the UN’s so-called 'Human Rights Council,'" Bayefsky told Digital.Bayefsky pointed out the irony of the council cutting her video short during a session described as an "interactive dialogue"—an event where experts are supposed to address the council on human rights matters."I was cut off right after I named Francesca Albanese, Navi Pillay, and Chris Sidoti for covering up the Palestinian use of rape as a weapon of war and promoting blatant antisemitism. I also mentioned Karim Khan, the International Criminal Court prosecutor who faces troubling sexual assault claims but has remained unaccountable for nearly two years. These are the individuals and truths the UN seeks to shield and conceal," Bayefsky told Digital."It’s an outrage that I’m being silenced and targeted simply for naming specific individuals."Bayefsky’s statement was cut short as she accused Albanese, Navi Pillay (former chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory), and Chris Sidoti (a commissioner of the same commission). She also criticized Khan, who has been accused of rape—though Khan has denied the sexual misconduct claims against him.If her video had been shown in its entirety, Bayefsky would have continued to criticize Türk’s recent report for failing to demand accountability for the "Palestinian policy of paying to kill Jews—including Hamas terror leader Yahya Sinwar, who received half a million dollars in blood money."When the video was cut off, Human Rights Council President Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro described Bayefsky’s comments as "derogatory, insulting, and inflammatory" and stated they were "unacceptable.""The speaker’s language cannot be permitted because it has gone beyond the bounds of tolerance and respect that we all uphold within the council’s framework," Suryodipuro stated.Responding to Digital’s request for comment, Human Rights Council Media Officer Pascal Sim noted that the council has long-standing rules regarding acceptable language."Decisions about the format and language of interventions in the Human Rights Council are established practices that have existed since the council’s inception, and all council presidents use them to ensure the respect, tolerance, and dignity that are essential to discussing human rights issues," Sim told Digital.When asked whether the video had been pre-reviewed, Sim said it was checked for length and audio quality to facilitate interpretation, but speakers are ultimately "responsible for the content of their statements.""The video statement from the NGO 'Touro Law Center, The Institute on Human Rights and The Holocaust' was interrupted when its language was judged to have crossed the council’s boundaries of tolerance and respect and could not be allowed," Sim explained."As the presiding officer noted at the time, all speakers must adhere to the appropriate framework and terminology used in the council’s work—something familiar to those who regularly participate in its proceedings. After the ruling, no council member states raised objections to it," Sim added.While Bayefsky’s statement was cut short, other statements accusing Israel of genocide and ethnic cleansing were allowed to be shown or read in their entirety.This isn’t the first time Bayefsky has been interrupted. Exactly one year prior, on February 27, 2025, her video was cut off when she mentioned the fate of Ariel and Kfir Bibas. Jürg Lauber, who was the UN Human Rights Council president at the time, paused the video and stated that Bayefsky had used inappropriate language.Bayefsky opened her speech with: "The world now knows Palestinian savages killed 9-month-old baby Kfir," and she was almost instantly cut off by Lauber."Sorry, I have to interrupt," Lauber said suddenly as Bayefsky’s video was paused. He briefly objected to the "language" used in the video but then let it resume. A few seconds later, however, the video was turned off completely.Lauber repeated that "the speaker’s language cannot be tolerated," noting that it "clearly exceeds the limits of tolerance and respect."Regarding the earlier incident, Bayefsky said she believed the entire situation was "stage-managed," since the council had advance access to her video and transcript and knew what she would say.
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by: jenn
Hulu Quietly Debuts This Year’s Most Ambitious Sci-Fi Movie
Searchlight PicturesWhat defines a sci-fi film? Is it one set in the future? One featuring non-existent technology? One where impossible events occur? Typically, sci-fi is a genre you recognize when you see it, but that's not always the case. Consider In the Blink of an Eye, the newest film from . Through an unconventional structure, it weaves three distinct narratives into a single overarching theme. Is it science fiction? Perhaps the more relevant question is whether the label matters.The film's three segments stretch across millennia. It begins with a Neanderthal family struggling for survival in a cave while still making room for love, grief, and artistic expression. Next, set in 2025, we encounter Claire (Rashida Jones) and Greg (Daveed Diggs), two graduate students who transform a casual relationship into something deeper at the most inconvenient moment, yet somehow make it succeed. Lastly, in a far-off future, pilot Coakley (Kate McKinnon) embarks on a centuries-long voyage to a new planet, joined only by an AI companion with whom she develops a bond reminiscent of Wilson the Volleyball.The relationship between two academics leads to the future of humanity as we know it in In the Blink of an Eye | Searchlight PicturesThe narrative moves between storylines with a delicate balance, yet none emerges as the dominant thread. How was this accomplished? According to screenwriter Colby Day, through meticulous effort. "I wanted a narrative that would feel circular, allowing us to begin at the start and progress through past, present, and future, discovering connections along the way," he explains to Inverse. "I laid out 500 color-coded note cards on a table and began arranging them, asking myself: does this create a coherent story? Do these elements feel linked? It's similar to sculpture—you start with a massive marble block and gradually reveal the form hidden within."The final product is a complex, interwoven narrative, though viewers will likely feel strongest ties to Claire and Greg's story simply because it's the sole segment set in our current time period. "We're the most non-sci-fi element in this film!" Rashida Jones, a , remarks to Inverse. "[Yet] no matter the era, you're observing people grappling with life's most fundamental aspects: falling in love, surviving, determining where and with whom to live. Do you want children? What will those children do with their lives? What are the greatest challenges of existence and protecting your offspring? So the film's foundation remained consistent throughout."However, the links between these narratives extend beyond thematic parallels. Claire works as an anthropology researcher examining a Neanderthal-era skeleton, and though her journey with Greg begins in the present, it doesn't conclude there—in reality, their partnership evolves into one of humanity's most pivotal relationships for the future.Neandrethals take up an entire third of this movie's runtime, but it all ties together in the end. | Searchlight PicturesThis is the type of film often described as "wholesome," yet its steadfast sincerity is precisely what makes it special. "The true science lies in this magical transformation of human love," Daveed Diggs shares with Inverse. "It does that quintessentially Andrew Stanton thing where you believe it's about one specific thing, only to discover it's actually about everything that makes us human." The narrative offers an embrace of warmth, tempered with allegorical elements and subtle world-building details that are easy to overlook.Therefore, whether it qualifies as science fiction is ultimately irrelevant. It's a quality film that happens to feature some sci-fi elements. "I viewed it as a humanist film," director Andrew Stanton tells Inverse. "Its core focus is human nature, which remains constant across all eras, binding us together throughout time and space." He hesitates briefly. "Though I suppose simply stating that does sound rather sci-fi, doesn't it?"In the Blink of an Eye is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
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by: jenn
Four Decades Later, the Strangest ’80s Horror Film Continues to Surprise
New World PicturesAlien. Jaws. Minions. Some movies say it all with . House never achieved that level of mononymous fame, but it wasn’t from lacking effort. A film about a haunted spot of some kind, House hit wide release 40 years ago today and, like countless forgotten horror flicks, it made enough money to get stuck with the and spawn a string of lousy sequels.Roger Cobb (William Katt) is a popular author dealing with several classic movie hero issues: he’s divorced, his young son has disappeared without a trace, and his effort to move from pulpy horror novels to a serious book about his Vietnam War service has left him with writer’s block and distressing flashbacks. House starts with Roger’s elderly aunt taking her own life, and Roger—who grew up in her house and watched his little Jimmy vanish from it during a visit—decides to move in to work on his book in what he tells noisy neighbor Harold (George Wendt, basically playing Cheers’ Norm) as “solitude.”That’s a simple setup for a movie frequently called “goofy” and “bonkers” in its Letterboxd reviews. Is House a haunted house film? Yes. A Vietnam War movie? Yes. A sitcom? Again, yes. House feels like it took elements from the recent hit Poltergeist —a missing boy, a house linked to another dimension, an investigation supported by modern tech—blended them up, then tossed a cartoon dynamite stick into the mix.Grotesque goblins jump out of closets, a mounted fish comes alive, the well-intentioned neighbor keeps dropping by with snacks, we keep going back to a dark, leafy soundstage standing in for Vietnam, and Roger wears the most revealing V-neck sweater you’ll ever see. By the time another neighbor (Bond girl Mary Stävin) aggressively flirts with Roger, then switches gears and dumps her little boy on him for a babysitting gig that ends with Roger having to save the kid from monsters, you’ll stop trying to guess what’s next.Our fashionable and probably cold hero. | New World PicturesHouse knows exactly how absurd it is, and you can picture past tweens getting their first taste of the genre via TV reruns and VHS tapes. Revealing too many of its odd twists and turns would ruin the experience—and “experience” is the right word here. In most cases, its out-of-nowhere plotting and set pieces would feel messy and disjointed. But if you approach House like a theme park ride that’s going to hurl a bunch of wacky stuff at you, you won’t be too disappointed when its internal logic falls apart. No one goes through Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion for tight storytelling.Of the plot that does exist, the Vietnam angle is surprisingly the most intriguing—it’s a reminder of how deeply the Vietnam War had seeped into every part of American pop culture. A currently stalled House reboot was , but it’s hard to imagine its potential hero having Fallujah flashbacks before a final battle with a zombified squadmate out for revenge.One of many monsters in Roger’s closets. | New World PicturesThere are why Iraq’s influence has mostly been limited to indie films, flops, and short mentions in character backstories, but seeing even a ridiculous horror-comedy make Vietnam-related PTSD central to its plot is a surprisingly clear example of the gap between how the two wars are remembered. It’s a stretch to claim House has anything deep to say about wartime trauma, but it’s a remarkably bold move for a movie that also includes a curvaceous witch-monster waddling around with a shotgun. It makes you wish modern films could tackle similar topics with such weird honesty.But House is a horror-comedy at its core, and time has been kind to it—creature effects that contemporary reviewers once called cheap now look charmingly retro. Roger’s eventual trip into another dimension hidden behind his medicine cabinet is still an engaging adventure, and even the rubbery creature suits fit the film’s cozy tone. It’s not a classic, but it’s the type of filler movie that kept theaters and Blockbusters busy between major releases. Four decades later, it can still do that when you’re facing a long evening of mindlessly scrolling through Netflix.House is streaming .
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US stations F-22 stealth fighters in Israel, placing ‘almost any target in Iran at risk’.
As the Trump administration considers its next steps regarding Iran, one of the most sophisticated aircraft in the U.S. military inventory has been positioned nearer to Tehran.Eleven F-22 Raptor stealth fighters have reached Israel’s Ovda Air Base in the southern part of the country, according to reports, representing the first operational deployment of American combat aircraft to Israel. This action takes place amid a larger U.S. military buildup in the region—unmatched in scale for years—and as concerns grow about Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities.For U.S. decision-makers, the importance is clear: The F-22 alters the military dynamic.Retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, former deputy chief of staff for operations at U.S. Air Force headquarters, said during a May 26 webinar hosted by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), "The F-22 is indeed the most air-to-air capable fighter in the world; nothing comes close to it in the air-to-air role." He described its presence as "a very clear deterrent signal" that enables the United States to "negotiate with strength."Built to establish and maintain air superiority, the F-22 can operate in heavily defended airspace and suppress enemy air defenses. In any potential strike scenario against Iran, this capability would be vital. Before bombers or strike aircraft can reach fortified nuclear or missile targets, the skies must be cleared—and that is the F-22’s core mission, former generals explained during the webinar.Guastella highlighted the practical meaning of forward positioning. "The advantage of the large force that’s there is that it can hold almost any target in Iran at risk … if that’s what the president wants to do," he said.Retired Lt. Gen. Charles Moore, former deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, said during the webinar that the deployment is about expanding rather than signaling a predetermined strike.Moore said, "There is a lot of combat capability that’s been moved into the region … the more capability, the more assets we put, the more options that the President has. We don’t box him in."He added that this posture allows the United States "to be prepared for a long-term type of deployment and sustainment of combat capability if that’s what the President decides he wants us to do."On Friday, Trump indicated that diplomacy remains his preferred approach but did not rule out military force. Speaking to reporters as he left the White House for a trip to Texas, he said he was unhappy with Iran and wanted to make a deal with Tehran, but warned that "sometimes you have to" use military force. He also noted that Iran continues to refuse to renounce nuclear weapons as demanded by the United States.The selection of Israel as the deployment location also matters. Unlike some Gulf bases—where operational restrictions may apply—Israel offers fewer political constraints, they explained. This gives U.S. planners extra freedom of action during a fast-moving crisis.Jonathan Ruhe, JINSA’s fellow for American Strategy, said the move aligns with a JINSA recommendation to expand U.S. basing options in Israel—outlined in a report the organization published last fall.The organization argued that forward basing in Israel would enhance U.S. flexibility and deterrence in the region. For months, JINSA has promoted the idea that Israel could serve as a land-based platform for American airpower in the .Former Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amikam Norkin said deploying such high-end aircraft to the region is not routine and described the move as both operational and strategic. "It presents the American commitment to Israeli security once you are landing with your best airplane in Israel," he said, adding that regional actors "understand the very strong commitment of the American government, American military, American President, to the national security of Israel."At the same time, he pushed back against the idea that the deployment represents a shift toward American "boots on the ground" in Israel.Norkin said, "Well, it’s not the first time that America is on the ground. As you remember the 12-Day War, the American Air Defense System supported us. So it’s already been done."More broadly, he emphasized that Iran is not just an Israeli problem. "The , it’s not just an Israeli threat, it’s a regional threat, and the American forces support the region, not just Israel," he said.A source familiar with the meeting confirmed to that Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, briefed President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday about potential military options targeting Iran. Gen. Dan Caine, the president’s top military adviser and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, also attended the briefing.For now, officials describe the move as rather than a prelude to immediate conflict. But the arrival of America’s premier air-dominance fighter in Israel signals a new phase in U.S.-Israel military coordination and sends a clear message to Tehran: If the president chooses to strike, the tools are already in place.
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by: jenn
Nine Years Later, One Star Trek Character Who Was Once Newish Is Suddenly Part Of The Old Guard
Paramount+When Star Trek: Discovery’s third episode premiered, the series didn’t just unveil its namesake starship—it also introduced the Trek universe to a fresh type of audience stand-in: the lively, jittery, and completely endearing Cadet Sylvia Tilly, Michael Burnham’s (portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green) roommate aboard a starship with a somber atmosphere and a vague mission. Long before Lower Decks hit the scene, Mary Wiseman’s Tilly quickly won over fans with her one-of-a-kind mix of courage and charisma. Now, thanks to time travel and an epic journey in Discovery’s later seasons, Tilly is somehow a legacy character. Since Discovery Season 4, when it was revealed that Tilly would instruct a group of new Starfleet cadets, it was only a matter of time before she appeared at“I knew I was working at the Academy when Discovery ended,” Wiseman tells Inverse. “So I had my hopes!”Tilly’s guest spot in Starfleet Academy Season 1 Episode 8 isn’t just a random crossover for the sake of it. Similar to Jett Reno (played by Tig Notaro), Tilly resides in the 32nd Century but hails from the 23rd Century—and even served alongside Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and Spock (Ethan Peck). Her role as a visiting instructor for Starfleet Academy’s cadets is somewhat analogous to a medieval figure suddenly teaching at a modern local college. It’s a time-bending trick that fits perfectly within Trek’s established rules, but Wiseman points out there’s more to it than meets the eye.Tilly (Mary Wiseman) at the beginning of her journey in Discovery Season 1. | Paramount+“In the episode, she says to Reno, ‘We are the women that time forgot.’ I think that there is an interesting place that they hold as being part of ancient history that probably feels a little unmooring on some level,” Wiseman says. “But it also gives them some sense of their place in time.”Since the USS Discovery made the leap to the 32nd Century at the conclusion of its second season, Tilly’s appearance in Starfleet Academy carries double the emotional weight: she’s a symbol of a ship and crew that span multiple centuries, and in our real world, she also serves as a nod to the Trek era right before the current one. In Episode 8, titled “The Life of the Stars,” Tilly is on hand to teach the cadets about theater—specifically Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town—to help them work through the grief they experienced in Episode 6. For Wiseman, this particular storyline was just as meaningful to Tilly’s place in Trek lore.Thornton Wilder, the writer of Our Town. | ullstein bild/ullstein bild/Getty Images“I freaked out because I love Thornton Wilder. I played Emily in Our Town at Juilliard, and I did a production of Skin of Our Teeth off-Broadway where I played Sabina,” Wiseman says. “So I know the playwright really, really well, and I love Our Town. I think it was a well-chosen play for this experience because it works as a device about moving through difficult things in life.”The episode’s title, "The Life of the Stars,” is taken from Our Town, continuing Star Trek’s longstanding tradition of weaving classic past literature into its futuristic setting. While Wiseman believes many viewers likely have some familiarity with the play, she also recognizes that Trek has frequently served as an entry point for younger audiences into theater and literature—from Dickens and Melville in to in The Next Generation. Even going all the way back to The Original Series, the episode “The Conscience of the King” centered on a Shakespearean troupe aboard the Enterprise. As someone with a background in theater, Wiseman hopes this Starfleet Academy episode will spark interest in Our Town among viewers.“I think you get to hear a lot of the text in this episode,” Wiseman says. “And not just that, but a real interrogation of the text and what the playwright was trying to communicate. I hope that it whets people's palettes to either revisit the play or read it for the first time, because it is one of our great American plays, and our great American works of literature in general.”Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streams on Paramount+.