On Sunday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a safety warning to civilians in Iran, accusing the Iranian regime of conducting military launches from densely populated areas and endangering civilian lives.CENTCOM stated that the regime is using "heavily populated" cities—including Dezful, Isfahan, and Shiraz—to launch one-way attack drones and ballistic missiles. U.S. forces urged Iranian civilians to stay at home, warning that locations used for military purposes could lose their protected status under international law and become legitimate targets."The regime is blatantly disregarding civilian lives by attacking Gulf partners while compromising the safety of their own people," Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said in a statement.CENTCOM noted that U.S. forces take "every feasible precaution" to minimize civilian harm but cannot guarantee safety near facilities the Iranian regime uses for military purposes.CENTCOM’s announcement indicated that Tehran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones since the [event] on Feb. 28, though launch rates have declined as U.S. and partner forces have targeted Iran’s military capabilities.Iran has targeted civilian airports and hotels across the [region] as part of retaliatory attacks against several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain.The UAE’s Ministry of Defense on Sunday released footage of its air defenses intercepting and destroying Iranian drones.The ministry reported that 17 ballistic missiles were detected, with 16 destroyed and one falling into the sea.The UAE also detected 117 drones, intercepting 113 of them while four fell within the country’s territory.Since the start of Iran’s attacks, the UAE says it has intercepted 221 ballistic missiles, 1,342 drones, and eight cruise missiles.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed on X that Iran has not attacked "friendly and neighboring countries," stating its strikes have been aimed at U.S. military bases and installations in the region.
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Trump-era pressure alters cartel tactics, with fear of US retaliation driving strategy: ‘They fear the United States’
MEXICO CITY: Experts report that Mexican cartels are becoming more strategic in their choice of targets, frequently steering clear of intentional attacks on American tourists and citizens for fear of provoking a stronger U.S. response.After the killing last month of Ruben "Nemesio" Oseguera Cervantes, or "El Mencho," the influential leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on "Fox & Friends" to issue a warning to the drug gangs: "The Mexican drug cartels know not to lay a finger on a single American, or they will pay severe consequences under this president."Analysts state that measures taken by President Trump — such as classifying cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and conducting prominent overseas missions like the raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the strike that eliminated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani — have strengthened the cartels' belief that the risks are now greater.The core goal of Mexican drug cartels has always been to safeguard their income and avoid provoking a massive government crackdown. Security analysts and former U.S. officials note that this strategic thinking frequently involves refraining from intentionally targeting American tourists and citizens within Mexico."Naturally, drug cartels are frightened of President Trump after he labeled them terrorist organizations. This could be a key reason they refrain from attacking American citizens or tourists," cartel specialist and activist Elena Chávez informed Fox News Digital.She explained that the cartels have "evolved and stay well-aware of current events, particularly because they know there are rewards offered for their capture. This is why they fear the United States, a sentiment that has grown since Trump took office and designated the cartels as terrorist groups. They undoubtedly track all these developments and have individuals who update their leaders on the shifting landscape. The political will in the United States was very strong."Compounding the pressure, Trump addressed the newly formed Shield of the Americas Summit in Florida on Saturday—an alliance of 12 Latin American and Caribbean nations—which is uniting to confront the cartels, among other initiatives."We have to knock the hell out of them because they're getting worse. They're taking over their country. The cartels are running Mexico. We can't have that. Too close to us," Trump cautioned."Currently, over a million Americans are likely vacationing in their homes in Mexico. The drug cartels do not interfere with them or their properties. They understand that harming U.S. citizens would inevitably draw a reaction from the United States. An unwritten rule exists: you do not target American citizens; if you do, you will face U.S. retaliation. This is especially true under the current Trump administration," Samuel González, a national security expert and former prosecutor for a specialized organized crime unit, told Fox News Digital.Although notable killings of Americans in Mexico have happened, specialists characterize them as sporadic incidents that harm cartel interests, not as elements of a deliberate strategy."Several past cases show why cartels are extra cautious not to harm American citizens. A major one is the Camarena case: the 1985 kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena in Mexico, carried out by leaders of the Guadalajara Cartel (Rafael Caro Quintero, Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo) in revenge for the destruction of the ‘El Búfalo’ marijuana farm."This crime was a pivotal moment in U.S.-Mexico anti-drug relations, leading the DEA to launch ‘Operation Leyenda’ to apprehend the culprits and exposing collusion between traffickers and senior Mexican officials."He continued, "Another instance is the case of Agent Zapata. On February 15, 2011, assassins from the ‘Los Zetas’ cartel murdered ICE/HSI Special Agent Jaime Zapata and wounded Agent Victor Avila on a highway in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The killing led to intense U.S. pressure on Mexico to fight the cartels, culminating in the arrest of several involved Los Zetas members, including Julián Zapata Espinoza, also known as ‘El Piolín.’"All these historical examples illustrate why cartels have learned that attacking American citizens is against their interests."Security experts indicate that cartels pay close attention to political discourse in Washington, especially remarks hinting at potential unilateral U.S. military intervention or broader cross-border missions. The public discussion about classifying cartels as terrorist organizations has regained momentum in recent years, with some legislators contending it would grant more resources to dismantle their financial and supply networks.Former federal officials say the cartels' reluctance to deliberately target Americans stems more from pragmatic business considerations than any ideological restraint. Prominent attacks on U.S. nationals can lead to massive media attention, diplomatic tensions, and heightened law enforcement actions that interrupt smuggling corridors.Director General of the National Citizen Observatory, Francisco Rivas, said to Fox News Digital: "Drug traffickers are far more apprehensive about attacking a foreigner than a Mexican because Mexican authorities prosecute crimes against foreigners much more rigorously. The increased media scrutiny when the victim is a foreigner gives police and prosecutors greater motivation to investigate a kidnapping, extortion, disappearance, or murder.""In Mexico, over 90% of intentional homicides and disappearances involve individuals who had direct dealings with the cartels, mainly for business purposes. The issues tourists face in Mexico are comparable to those they might find in Miami, London, Rome, or Paris: theft, scams, and occasional extortion, but these instances are relatively minor. The majority of crimes in Mexico affect Mexicans, and most violent crimes have Mexican victims connected to cartels," he stated.Even though millions of Americans visit Mexico annually without trouble, law enforcement authorities stress that criminal violence is still pervasive in areas under cartel influence.Officials from both nations agree that cartel choices are motivated by profit and survival instincts. Analysts broadly consider actions seen as likely to incite direct U.S. retaliation to be harmful to those core objectives.
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Kosovo political crisis puts Balkans on edge amid renewed instability fears
Kosovo, a Balkan country, is experiencing a constitutional crisis following the missed deadline to elect a new president. President Vjosa Osmani, who is aligned with President , has dissolved the parliament and announced early elections.Amid global conflicts and mounting pressure on NATO forces stationed in the West Balkan country to maintain peace, Osmani stated to journalists that "given how complicated the geopolitical landscape is, it's crucial to complete the upcoming electoral process. Right now, it's very difficult to predict what comes next," as reported by Kiro7.In a February address, Trump recently commended Kosovo's president for the "excellent work" she is accomplishing in her nation. In January, Osmani accepted Trump's invitation to become a member of the Board of Peace and has committed resources to the International Stabilization Force for Gaza.Another potential domestic shift that could affect Osmani's position is looming. There are discussions about a possible downsizing or restructuring of the international in Kosovo, KFOR, which has maintained a presence since 1999 to ensure stability in the aftermath of the Balkan wars.According to Reporteri, the commander of the peacekeeping mission, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, stated in February that the United States has no intention of decreasing its military presence in Kosovo. Currently, approximately 600 American soldiers are stationed in the country.Since Kosovo proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008, relations between the two nations have stayed tense.In an interview with Digital, former Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko stated, "Kosovo requires effective governance followed by a negotiated agreement for presidential election." He expressed his hope that "the Constitutional Court will offer a resolution."The Kosovo Parliament has been gridlocked for over a year. reported that a February 2025 vote did not lead to government formation. Although the December snap elections gave Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party a victory, the party failed to secure sufficient opposition backing to elect a president.The vote on Friday was unsuccessful as the session lacked 14 members to meet the required quorum. Opposition lawmakers refused to participate in the voting because they opposed Kurti's candidate, Kosovo's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Glauk Konjufca.On Friday, Osmani held discussions with opposition party heads; Kurti declined to join this meeting. The prime minister argued that "parliament should only be dissolved and new elections called after a third unsuccessful attempt to elect a president."According to the European Western Balkans website, Kurti's party has requested the Constitutional Court to examine whether the election procedure complies with the constitution.Opposition leader Ramush Haradinaj indicated that fresh elections could take place as soon as April 5.In his interview with Digital, Majko commented that he views the inter-party dispute as manageable, noting that their electoral standings would likely remain unchanged even with another vote. He described the prospect of early elections as a draining political stalemate that fails to generate resolutions.
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Iran’s final line of resistance stays on sidelines — but Houthi terror group warns it’s prepared to act
The terrorist movement has not yet joined the conflict in support of Iran, though in recent days it has ramped up its pro-Tehran rhetoric. Its leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, has stated the group stands ready to enter the war against the U.S. and Israel if needed."When it comes to military escalation and action, our fingers are on the trigger, prepared to respond at any moment if developments call for it," al-Houthi said on Thursday."The Houthis have not intervened because they are the axis's last line of resistance, especially after other members of the axis were weakened," Nadwa Al-Dawsari, a Yemen expert and associate fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Digital.The official slogan of the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) reads, "Allah is Greater. Death to Israel. Curse on the Jews. Victory to Islam."Al-Dawsari, who has written extensively on Yemen and the Houthis, said: "I believe the Houthis will intervene at some point. The longer the war drags on, the more likely Houthi intervention becomes. What the Houthis want—and have been eager to do for some time—is attack the Saudis. If the Saudis intervene, the Houthis will find a reason to strike back."The Islamic Republic of Iran formed an "" ahead of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, invasion of Israel. Iran’s axis coalition of Shiite and Sunni terrorist proxies includes Lebanon-based Hezbollah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis, Shiite militias in Iraq, and the now-defunct Baathist regime in Syria.Within the first few weeks of his administration, President Joe Biden initiated a reset with the Houthis and pressured the Saudis to end the war against the bellicose group. "The war in Yemen must end," Biden declared in his first major Mideast foreign policy speech in February 2021.Biden’s reversal of U.S. support for Saudi-led allies in their war against the Houthis was paired with his administration removing the Houthis from the foreign terrorist organization list. President [name] quickly reinstated the terrorist designation for the Houthis at the start of his second term and launched military strikes against the group in Yemen.Al-Dawsari noted another reason the Houthis have not joined the conflict: it is not in the interest of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) "to drag the Houthis into a suicidal war." She argued, "If the Iranian regime collapses and a new one emerges, I think the IRGC will regroup in Yemen or Somalia. Yemen is a key ally."There has been discussion between the IRGC and Houthis about why "the Houthis' continued existence is strategically important to the IRGC," she said."The IRGC cannot afford to lose the Houthis. Yemen is vital to them. They need to preserve the Houthis for the future, so the IRGC can endure even after the regime," Al-Dawsari added.She noted that "the Houthis have established a presence in the Horn of Africa. The IRGC backs the Houthis. Any Houthi intervention might be symbolic." She further stated Iran's "current tactic is to prolong the war, expand it across the region, and increase pressure on the U.S."In May 2025, Trump announced the U.S. would [action] against the Houthis, explaining the group "doesn't want to fight.""They simply don't wish to, and we will respect that. We will stop the bombings," Trump said. The Houthis had launched [attacks] in the Red Sea and against the Jewish state to support their ally Hamas in Gaza.Al-Dawsari said the Houthis did not attack U.S. ships after Trump’s announcement. "They know Trump doesn’t make idle threats. They understand they would face consequences."
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Police investigating ‘loud bang’ and reported damage at US Embassy in Norway
Norwegian police are looking into a possible explosion at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo that resulted in no injuries and just minor damage.Amid the , Norwegian Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen is allocating "considerable resources" to look for possible multiple perpetrators."This is an intolerable incident that we’re treating with the utmost seriousness," she told Norwegian press agency NTB.Police said a "loud bang" was reported at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo at 1 a.m. local time Sunday (7 p.m. ET Saturday), and witnesses told Reuters they observed thick smoke near the consular section entrance."There was a really thick layer of smoke on the street," said 18-year-old Sebastian Toerstad, a high school student who drove by the embassy when the explosion happened."The entrance had some damage."Police said no explosive devices had been discovered in the area."Investigations have been conducted at the scene using dogs, drones and a helicopter to search for one or more possible perpetrators," the Oslo police department stated.PST, Norway’s police security service, brought in extra staff after the incident but hasn’t adjusted the country’s terror threat level, according to communication advisor Martin Bernsen.PST operations manager Mikael Dellemyr does not "link" the attack to U.S. bombings in the or terrorist or Iranian retaliation."It’s far too early" in the investigation, he told Oslo’s TV 2. Digital contacted the for comment, but they didn’t respond right away.The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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World’s largest one stop jewellery marketplace attracts some 80,000 buyers, with growth in buyers from ASEAN, Korea and beyond
HONG KONG, March 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show wrapped up successfully today. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) under the “Two Shows, Two Venues” format, the twin shows together drew some 80,000 buyers from 150 countries and regions, with the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show welcoming over 28,000 buyers from 125 countries and regions and the Jewellery Show attracting over 51,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions.Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The twin jewellery shows hosted about 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions. Buyer attendance from the Philippines, Korea, Australia and Switzerland all recorded significant growth, a testament to the strong international standing of the twin shows. Over 30 industry seminars and events were held during the shows, keeping industry professionals informed of the latest market and industry trends. We were pleased to welcome three pavilions making their debut at the show, namely the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, the Zhushan Turquoise Pavilion and the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion, each showcasing their jewellery craftsmanship to international buyers.”Industry optimistic about Korea and ASEAN marketsTo gain deeper insights into jewellery industry trends, the HKTDC conducted an on-site survey of 1,509 exhibitors and buyers. Results indicate that both buyers and exhibitors are cautiously optimistic about the economic outlook. Key findings are:Market and industry outlook44.3% of respondents expect overall sales to increase in the next one to two years; 49% expect sales to remain stable.Respondents view the following markets as having good or very good growth potential for jewellery products over the next two years: Korea (73.2%), ASEAN (71.8%), Chinese Mainland (68.5%), Taiwan (65.3%), Australia (64.1%).For those markets with the greatest development potential, most respondents plan to explore: Europe (20.8%), ASEAN (16.8%), Chinese Mainland (15.3%), Japan (15.3%), Taiwan (10.8%).In the next three years, technological advancements in artificial intelligence (66.1%), social media (43.7%), and big data (41.5%) are expected to have the greatest impact on the jewellery industry.Product trendsProducts with the strongest growth potential this year include trendy fashion jewellery (57.3%), precious jewellery (35.1%), and designer jewellery (21.1%).The most popular precious metal products in 2026 are karat yellow gold (40.1%), karat white gold (31.7%) and pure gold (28%).The most popular gemstones this year are diamonds (28.8%), followed by rubies (24.7%) and pearls (19.7%).Riding the gold wave: Chinese Mainland hard pure gold makers go globalThe government’s latest Budget Speech highlighted plans to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international gold trading market which is expected to bring new momentum to gold demand in the jewellery market. Adding to the excitement, the World Gold Council led 10 exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland for the first time to launch the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion at this year’s show, which proved to be one of the show's major highlights.Regional CEO Roland Wang said: “The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has been instrumental in helping Chinese gold manufacturers connect with international buyers and expand their market reach. We have already received a considerable number of orders in just the first three days. Our current focus is on developing markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India, where interest in hard pure gold products is steadily growing. More affordable, lighter-weight hard pure gold pieces are proving particularly attractive to younger middle-class consumers.”Sharon Weng, Deputy General Manager of YueHao Jewellery, a Shenzhen-based exhibitor at the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, said: “Expanding our overseas client base is a key business priority for us this year, and the show has provided the ideal platform to pursue that goal. We have also established connections with Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand." Another Chinese Mainland exhibitor specialising in hard pure gold jewellery expressed plans to set up an office in Hong Kong in the near future, to better leverage the city as a springboard for global expansion.Sales surpass expectations as diamonds captivate buyersSales at the shows this year exceeded expectations for many exhibitors. Youngeun Kim, founder of Soyou, a Korean exhibitor, said: "Through the world's largest jewellery trade platform, we have successfully connected with potential buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Africa and the United Kingdom, and expect our sales to grow by 30% compared with last year."Hong Kong exhibitor SimStar Asia Limited, which specialises in high-value, investment-grade diamonds, secured several orders from buyers in Europe and the United States during the show, with total transactions running into the millions of US dollars. The company also projected a 10% increase in annual sales and noted that demand for high-clarity, top-colour white diamonds in the 5 to 10-carat range remains robust, while rare red and blue diamonds are also drawing keen interest from buyers.This year, the Hall of Fame grew by more than 40%. Emre Can, Export Sales Manager of Zen Diamond, a Turkish exhibitor, shared that while the company initially came with the aim of expanding into Asian markets, buyers from the United Kingdom and the United States had already expressed interest on Day One. Existing clients from Europe and South America also travelled to meet face to face, which is a testament to the global appeal of branded jewellery.Designer jewellery on the rise as new generation embraces personalisationThe shows welcomed over 50 designer exhibitors, including 10 Korean designers making their debut at the fair. They were pleased with their results and are already considering expanding their presence at next year's edition. A Korean designer exhibitor also shared that new enquiries from potential buyers had been received, particularly from Europe, and was pleasantly surprised to receive one from Poland. A seminar featuring Paola De Luca, Founder and Creative Director of Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting, gave attendees an in-depth look at emerging jewellery design trends, exploring how personalisation can respond to the younger consumer market.The shows also hosted three design competitions: the 27th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, the Hong Kong International Fashion Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition, and the inaugural International Fei Cui Jewellery Design Competition. Award ceremonies were held on-site, with winning pieces on display across the venue, offering buyers a first look at the latest creative works while fostering closer ties between designers and jewellery manufacturers.Global exhibitors tap into new opportunitiesThe twin shows brought together exhibitors from around the world, with Uzbekistan making its debut appearance. Fonon Jewelry House, an Uzbek exhibitor, showcased gold pieces with distinctive Central Asian cultural influences, drawing strong interest from international buyers. Alisher Romanov, the Head of Foreign Economic Affairs of this exhibitor, said: "We are looking to use Hong Kong as a springboard for expansion into other Asian markets. We have already connected with potential buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Malaysia and the Philippines, and expect sales to reach approximately USD 50 million." Another Uzbek exhibitor also shared that it had received a jewellery order worth as much as USD 35 million from a Hong Kong buyer. The Uzbekistan delegation also seized the occasion to formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers' Association, with the aim of further promoting Uzbekistan's jewellery to global markets through Hong Kong's platform and strengthening bilateral trade ties.Buyers seek diverse offeringsTurkish buyer, Kasapoglu Jewellery came to the show with the specific goal of sourcing new loose diamond suppliers, setting aside a procurement budget of over USD 900,000. US-based diamond wholesaler David Abraham & Co found the show to be a true one-stop destination, discovering services ranging from certification to repolishing, as well as sourcing gemological equipment and tools. The company met with 35 exhibitors from Hong Kong, India, Israel, the Middle East, Europe and the United States in a single day. China National Gold Group Gold Jewellery Co., Ltd. from Beijing made the most of both shows, sourcing turquoise samples at the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and explored fine jewellery offerings at the Jewellery Show. The company noted that demand for both high-end gemstones and mass-market jewellery is growing in tandem, with younger consumers increasingly drawn to delicate and refined designs. Its total procurement budget across both shows is USD 200,000.Golden Silver Z.L S.A., a major 925 sterling silver jewellery supplier in Latin America and a loyal visitor to the shows for over 20 years, returned again this year and confirmed silver jewellery orders with three exhibitors, with combined transactions exceeding USD 1.9 million.Online-offline integration expands horizonsDue to the impact of geopolitical situation, some buyers from certain regions were unable to attend in person. The HKTDC responded promptly with a range of support measures. These included on-site support for exhibitors with promotional material placement, as well as helping affected buyers rearrange flights and accommodation to defer their arrivals by one to two days.Meanwhile, the shows continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ online and offline hybrid format, enabling enterprises to extend their physical exhibition negotiations to online matching platforms. Exhibitors and buyers can engage in AI-powered business matching through the HKTDC Marketplace App's "Click2Match" and hktdc.com Sourcing, while buyers can also use Scan2Match to scan exhibitors’ QR codes and continue discussions with exhibitors online after the show.For buyers from affected regions who were unable to travel to Hong Kong for sourcing, the show facilitated over 100 online business matching sessions, helping the industry sustain momentum and seize opportunities during a challenging period.The HKTDC continues to help exhibitors tap into the Chinese Mainland market through e-commerce channels. This year, two major platforms, Taobao Tmall and, for the first time, Douyin partnered with the shows, involving 10 exhibitors and more than 30 influencers and KOLs. The campaign generated over 35 million online impressions and achieved sales exceeding USD 20 million. The shows also invited Korean influencer to attend, who successfully sourced from a number of exhibitors, with combined purchases totalling close to USD 700,000.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4aXXZ24Organised by the HKTDC, the 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show have concluded successfullyThe world’s one-stop jewellery marketplace is highly regarded by industry professionals worldwide, with buyers demonstrating strong purchasing intentThe Uzbekistan delegation made its debut at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show this year. It also signed an MOU with the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers' Association to further promote Uzbekistan's jewellery to global markets through Hong Kong's platformDouyin participated in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show for the first time, enabling exhibitors to tap into the Chinese Mainland marketThe twin jewellery shows covered the entire industry supply chain, from raw materials and design to finished pieces, setting, packaging and gemological instruments — all under one roof.The jewellery parades highlighted the latest creative designs, fostering connections across the industryThe 27th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, themed "Pure Elegance – Natural Beauty", showcased the talents of local professional jewellery designers and students, with multiple designers receiving awards for their exceptional entries.At the award ceremony of the International Fei Cui Jewellery Design Competition, themed "A New Legacy of Jade, Design Without Boundaries", outstanding designers who blend jadeite craftsmanship with international culture were honoured.Over 30 industry seminars and networking events were held during the twin jewellery showsWebsites Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl ShowHong Kong International Jewellery ShowExhibition websitehttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/enhttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/enHighlighted productshttps://tinyurl.com/2vtknn2r HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:Winnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgKaty WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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King Charles to discuss ‘increasing pressures of conflict’ in speech as Trump criticizes British Prime Minister on Iran
King Charles is expected to reflect on "the increasing pressures of conflict" worldwide during a speech scheduled for Monday, describing it as a "time of great challenge," according to various reports. A preview of the 77-year-old monarch's Commonwealth Day address states, "We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility."The King's remarks further noted: "Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation. Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed."This speech follows by just over a week the coordinated strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, an operation British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the United Kingdom did not participate in, citing national interest."This is what we are dealing with," President Donald Trump commented earlier in the week, criticizing Starmer for what he perceived as insufficient support for the joint U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran.The president also remarked, "By the way, I’m not happy with that either," referring to Starmer's decision to prevent the United States from using U.K. bases for strikes on Iran.Since then, Britain has permitted the U.S. to utilize its regional bases for defensive actions against Iran's retaliatory attacks. Additionally, it has deployed fighter jets and intends to dispatch a destroyer, with the possibility of an aircraft carrier. On Tuesday, the president mentioned the Chagos Islands, British territories in the Indian Ocean, stating it took "three, four days for us to work out where we can land there."He added, "It would have been much more convenient landing there as opposed to flying many extra hours, so we are very surprised."Subsequently, the president characterized the United Kingdom as "very, very uncooperative with that stupid island." "It’s a shame," Trump stated. "That country, the U.K., and I love that country, I love it."He concluded, "This is not the age of Churchill."Trump again criticized Starmer on Saturday, alleging the prime minister joined the conflict after the U.S. had "already won.""The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two ," Trump posted on Truth Social. "That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer – But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!"Starmer has defended his choice to remain uninvolved in the conflict, asserting that the U.K. was "not involved in the initial strikes against Iran, and we will not join offensive action now.""But in the face of Iran's barrage of missiles and drones, we will protect our people in the region," Starmer declared in a Monday address to Parliament. "President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest. That is what I’ve done, and I stand by it."The King and other senior members of the royal family are set to convene at Westminster Abbey on Monday for the yearly Commonwealth Day celebration, which acknowledges the 56 nations voluntarily associated with the U.K., many of which were formerly part of the British Empire.The speech preview further states: "Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good — grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that has a return on investment, enriched by culture, steadfast in its care for our planet, and united in friendship and in the service of its people."Charles’ address at the abbey will also mark the largest assembly of the royal family since a former was arrested on Feb. 19.Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
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Shareholder-Exclusive Benefit! Shoucheng Holdings Launches Exclusive Entry Slots for Shareholders in the “2026 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon” – Robot Marathon Becomes a New Carrier for Shareholder Benefits
HONG KONG, March 9, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Recently, Shoucheng Holdings(697.HK) announced that it will provide direct entry slots for its shareholders to participate in the “2026 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon & Humanoid Robot Half Marathon,” drawing attention from the market. As one of the rare events globally that combines humanoid robots with a half marathon, the event is not only a sports race but also an important platform to showcase embodied intelligence technologies and the development of the robotics industry.It is worth noting that Shoucheng Holdings has opened the race entry quota as an exclusive shareholder benefit. Eligible shareholders may apply for direct registration without going through the official lottery process. This initiative is widely regarded as an innovative practice in investor relations management and reflects the company’s philosophy of opening its robotics industry ecosystem to shareholders.Industry observers believe this type of shareholder benefit carries symbolic significance. Traditionally, shareholder benefits of listed companies are mostly limited to dividends, gifts, or shareholder events. In contrast, Shoucheng Holdings integrates industrial resources with investor engagement, allowing shareholders to gain a more intuitive understanding of the robotics ecosystem the company is building through direct participation. In doing so, the company strengthens investor interaction while enhancing shareholders’ sense of participation and identification with the industry’s development.During the event, portfolio companies invested in by Shoucheng Holdings will appear at multiple points along the racecourse, forming a “mobile industrial exhibition.” While running, shareholders can:1. Naturally meet representatives of robotics companies at supply stations and rest areas, creating a relaxed atmosphere for open and candid exchanges.2. Discuss technical topics such as “the grasping logic of dexterous robotic hands under complex road conditions” and “how VLA models optimize robot motion control.”3. Build a concrete understanding of Shoucheng Holdings’ investment portfolio and gain insight into the logic behind its industrial and strategy.Registration DetailsThe “2026 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon & Humanoid Robot Half Marathon” is a landmark event that integrates sports competition with cutting-edge technology. As a co-organizer, Shoucheng Holdings (0697.HK) has established exclusive direct-entry slots for shareholders. Through a dedicated application channel, qualified shareholders can register without participating in the official lottery.Event InformationEvent Name: 2026 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon & Humanoid Robot Half MarathonRace Date: April 19, 2026 (Sunday)Location: Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Yizhuang)Organizing Participants: Jointly organized with Shoucheng Holdings (0697.HK)Application AccessPlease click the link below or scan the QR code to enter the exclusive application channel, fill in the required information, and upload proof of shareholding.Eligibility and Key TimelineTo safeguard shareholder rights and interests, applications must meet the following conditions and strictly follow the timeline arrangements.Application Requirements:1. Must be a shareholder of Shoucheng Holdings (0697.HK).2. Must provide clear proof of shareholding (e.g., a screenshot of holdings from a trading platform showing the shareholder’s name and shareholding information).3. Slots are limited and will be allocated based on the order in which applications are submitted.Runner Qualification Requirements (Unified Regulations by the Organizing Committee):1. Performance Requirement: Between March 1, 2024 and the registration deadline, runners must have completed at least two races of 10 km or longer.2. Proof Materials: Valid proof of race completion must be uploaded during registration (official certificates, screenshots from running apps, etc.).3. Qualification Review: All participants must pass a background check conducted by the public security authorities to ensure event safety and order.Key TimelineDateMilestoneDescriptionMarch 10, 2026Application DeadlineComplete the online application and submit valid proof of shareholding. Late submissions will not be accepted.March 16, 2026Invitation Code Registration DeadlineApproved shareholders must complete official registration with the organizing committee before this date; otherwise the slot will be considered forfeited.April 19, 2026Race DayCompete on the Yizhuang racecourse in Beijing alongside humanoid robots.In recent years, Shoucheng Holdings has continued to increase its investment in the robotics industry. Through industrial funds and platform investments, the company has invested in multiple embodied intelligence enterprises, gradually building an industrial system covering complete robots, core technologies, and application scenarios. This event is also regarded as an important window to showcase the company’s robotics ecosystem. By integrating race participation with industry exhibitions, the company enables shareholders to experience how robotics technologies move from laboratories into real-world applications.All shareholders are welcome to actively register and participate, and jointly witness the important moment when the robotics industry moves from the laboratory into the real world. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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93 Years Later, Apple’s Bold Monster Epic Channels A Grisly Classic
Apple TVOne of the most subtle and clever elements of is how it honors its source materials without being obvious or boring. Similar to Season 1, major monsters like Godzilla and Kong are used infrequently, with humans remaining the focus as they face a new danger. This season centers heavily on the massive sea creature Titan X, and as it delves into the monster’s lore, Monarch revisits its roots.Here’s how Monarch Season 2, Episode 2, “Resonance,” subtly references the original 1933 classic King Kong — but not in the way you might expect.Spoilers ahead.While Episode 2 has plenty of action in the near-present (technically, the show’s modern segments take place in 2017 here), the most compelling developments in this episode occur in the past, specifically 1957. As in the previous episode,, Bill Randa (Anders Holm) and Keiko (Mari Yamamoto) are exploring a remote island near Chile, following rumors of a strange creature. Episode 1 already revealed that the locals were urging the trio to leave, but in Episode 2, after Bill heads off to check out a nearby cave, the villagers suddenly shift their stance.Why do the villagers actually want Lee and Keiko to stay? The short answer: they’re getting ready to sacrifice our heroes to the monster — probably a version of Titan X, or at least one of the smaller creatures we’ve seen linked to it. Remote island? Human sacrifice? Does that sound familiar?Kong approaches the sacrificial altar in the 1933 classic, King Kong. | United Archives/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesIn the original King Kong, while scouting Skull Island for the title monster, Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) is captured by the island dwellers and offered as a sacrifice to Kong. This iconic scene finds Ann nearly eaten by Kong, before he takes her from the sacrificial altar and flees to his lair, driving much of the classic film’s second act. In fact, the reveal that Kong is a massive ape comes when the locals present Ann to him. This scene was later remade in the 1976 King Kong, where Ann was played by Jessica Lange, and again in 2005 by Naomi Watts.Monarch doesn’t copy these exact plot points, and in this case, it’s not Kong the villagers are trying to appease with a sacrifice — it’s Titan X, or perhaps the small, bug-like creatures associated with it. In the present, Lee Shaw is trying to release one of the small creatures to distract while in the past, one villager even wears a costume that resembles Titan X, and foreheads are marked with a double-eye symbol mirroring the new monster’s creepy eye.Lee and Keiko will survive their human sacrifice moment in 1957. But how? | Apple TVThe episode ends on a cliffhanger, though we know Keiko and Lee can’t fall victim to this gruesome ritual in 1957 — they’re both alive in the present. That said, nobody was really worried Kong would eat Fay Ray back when these monsters were in black-and-white. The point of this kind of scene isn’t to make us think these humans are about to become monster food. Instead, like Kong in 1933, Monarch’s monsters are scary not just because they’re monsters, but because entire cultures have been built around fearing them. And when that happens, humans basically turn into monsters themselves.Monarch streams on Apple TV.
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Hong Kong Completes First Green Methanol Bunkering, Driving Green Transformation of Its International Shipping Hub
HONG KONG, March 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – 5 March 2026, the world’s first methanol dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off vessel, CM HONG KONG, successfully completed its first green methanol bunkering operation in Hong Kong. This also marks China's first green methanol bunkering operation conducted at anchor.This milestone signifies a major breakthrough in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s deepened collaboration with enterprises, including China Merchants Group (CMG), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Group), and China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC). The achievement responds proactively to the “Dual Carbon” goals and advances implementation of Hong Kong’s Action Blueprint for Green Marine Fuel Bunkering, marking a solid step forward in Hong Kong’s development into an international green marine fuel bunkering centre.The bunkering ceremony, themed “RIDING THE TIDE, GREENING THE FUTURE”, was jointly hosted by China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), Sinopec (Hong Kong), and CIMC Enric at the Legislative Council Complex. Officiating guests included the Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Hon Mable CHAN, JP; the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Diane WONG Shuk-han, JP; the Director of Marine, WONG Sai-fat, together with Members of the Legislative Council, the Hon Gary CHAN Hak-kan, SBS, JP; the Hon Judy CHAN Kapui, MH, JP; the Hon Erik YIM Kong, JP; the Hon Aaron BOK Kwok-ming; Dr the Hon Webster NG Kam-wah, JP; Capt the Hon Lothair LAM Ming-fung; and the Hon Tommy CHUNG Ki-fung. Representatives from CMG, Sinopec, and CIMC, along with more than 100 distinguished guests from the shipping, energy, equipment manufacturing, and financial sectors, witnessed the significant moment.During the ceremony, officiating guests jointly launched the bunkering operation. A live screen broadcast the “first injection” of green methanol into CM HONG KONG, while simultaneously displaying the internationally certified green attribute certificate.The vessel completed bunkering via a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer, receiving approximately 500 tonnes of green methanol. According to calculations, this volume is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 85% compared with conventional marine fuels.The green methanol was produced and supplied by CIMC Enric and has obtained ISCC EU certification. The bunkering operation was carried out through Sinopec (Hong Kong)’s professional bunkering service system, and the fuel was ultimately applied by CMES as the shipowner. The operation fully demonstrated a closed-loop green methanol value chain encompassing “production–storage–shipping–bunkering–application”.Pursuant to the Strategic Cooperation Agreement on Jointly Building the Hong Kong Green Methanol Bunkering Centre signed in November 2025, the three parties leveraged their respective core strengths in ocean shipping, oil and gas and green fuel storage-transport-sales, and energy equipment manufacturing. Technical validation, solution optimisation, and emergency preparedness were completed in advance to ensure smooth implementation.To ensure safe and efficient operations, relevant HKSAR Government departments worked closely with participating enterprises. The Transport and Logistics Bureau, Marine Department, Customs and Excise Department, and Immigration Department provided end-to-end support in policy guidance, streamlined approvals, and safety oversight in accordance with the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering.This inaugural bunkering is not merely a technical demonstration, but a pivotal practice in establishing Hong Kong’s green marine fuel bunkering ecosystem. It verifies both the technical feasibility and commercial operability of green methanol bunkering in Hong Kong, and showcases a “Hong Kong’s Approach” characterised by government-enterprise collaboration, port-shipping synergy, and full industry-chain coordination. This initiative helps attract more green vessels to call at Hong Kong and encourages Hong Kong-registered vessels to increase their use of green marine fuels, striving to achieve the 7% target by 2030.The three organizations that collaborated to complete this bunkering operation stated that they would continue to further deepen cooperation, promote the industrialisation, scaling, and regularisation of green methanol supply in Hong Kong, and accelerate the establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem covering production, storage, shipping, bunkering, trading, and financial services. These efforts will support Hong Kong in building a leading green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the national “Dual Carbon” goals, Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality, and the global low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry. Photo 1Bunkering process of CM HONG KONG Photo 2Bunkering process of CM HONG KONGPhoto 3 Bunkering of the world's first methanol dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off vessel CM HONG KONG in Hong KongPhoto 4Group Photo of All Guests at the Hong Kong First Green Methanol Bunkering CeremonyPhoto 5Group Photo of the Kickoff Ceremony at Hong Kong’s First Green Methanol Bunkering Ceremony Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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10 Killed in Ukraine by Russian Missile Strike as Trump Says ‘Hatred’ Between Countries Complicates Peace Deal
A Russian ballistic missile attack on a residential building killed at least 10 people—including two children—and injured 16 others on Saturday, officials said.The strike was part of a larger overnight assault where Russia launched 29 missiles and 480 drones targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with damage reported in Kyiv and seven other locations across the country, according to the president.Zelenskyy called for an international reaction following the attack.“Partners must respond to these savage strikes on human life. I thank everyone who will not stay silent. Russia has not stopped trying to destroy Ukraine’s residential and critical infrastructure, so support must continue,” he said in a post on X.“We depend on active collaboration with the European Union to ensure stronger protection for our people,” he added. “I am grateful to all who help bolster our defenses.”Preliminary Ukrainian data showed shot down 19 missiles and 453 drones, while nine missiles and 26 strike drones hit 22 sites.Russia’s Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted Ukrainian military factories, and air bases.Speaking Saturday at the Shield of the Americas Summit in Doral, Florida, President said the “hatred” between Russia and Ukraine was making it harder to reach a peace deal.“You’d think Ukraine and Russia would have some camaraderie, but there’s none. The hatred is so deep. It’s very hard for them to get to an agreement—very, very hard. So we’ll see what happens,” Trump said. “But we’ve been close many times, and then one side or the other backs out.”“But we’re losing, they’re losing, and it doesn’t really affect us much because we’re separated by an ocean. I’m doing this as a favor to Europe and to save lives because they’re ,” Trump added. “Think about that—25,000 every month. Last month, 31,000. Both sides: 31,000 dead, mostly soldiers.”Last month, Zelenskyy told that with the president of the United States” and slowing U.S.-brokered efforts to end the war. Digital's Greg Norman-Diamond and
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Pope Leo taps new Vatican envoy to US amid mounting policy tensions with Trump
People Leo XIV announced on Saturday the appointment of the Vatican's new ambassador, Apostolic Nuncio, to the U.S. to help manage strained relations with the Trump administration.Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, 68, a veteran Vatican diplomat currently serving as ambassador to the United Nations, previously served as ambassador to the Philippines and Lebanon.Caccia is replacing an 80-year-old who is retiring."I receive this mission with both joy and a sense of trepidation," Caccia said following the appointment, according to Vatican News. He added that his mission was "at the service of communion and peace," noting that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S.The pope and President have been at odds over key issues for the White House, including immigration and the war in Iran.Pierre's ambassadorship was also at times at odds with the more conservative U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops while representing more progressive priorities."Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue," the American-born pope said on Sunday after the U.S. and Israel launched [missing text] to the outlet Chicago Catholic."Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions, I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss," he added.In early January, Leo also delivered a major policy speech, mostly in English, following the U.S. military action in Venezuela."War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading," he warned in the speech.Trump called it a "great honor for our country" when Leo was elected pope last May after Pope Francis' death, and when asked about Leo's remarks earlier this year that seemingly pressed him on policy, Trump told Politico he hadn't seen the statements from the pontiff, but "I'm sure he's a lovely man."He also said that he had met with the pope's brother, whom he called "serious MAGA."Last fall, the pope suggested that supporting the "inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States" is not "pro-life," leaving press secretary to "reject there was inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration."Leavitt, who is Catholic, added that the administration always tries to be as humane as possible while enforcing laws.Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, current president of the U.S. conference, said after Caccia's appointment: "On behalf of my brother bishops, I wish to extend our warmest welcome and our prayerful support to him as he carries out his responsibilities across the United States."Trump won 59% of the [missing text] in the 2024 election, according to Politico.
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40 Years On, One Epic Fantasy Flop Remains Immortal
Studio Canal/ShutterstockSome films that underperform at the box office go on to earn critical reappraisal, but they rarely launch as fully formed multimedia franchises right out of the gate. Even though audiences who missed The Shawshank Redemption in theaters eventually discovered it on home video, that film didn’t kick off an expanded universe with sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. The 1986 film Highlander is a rare cult classic that was almost instantly reborn as a legitimate multimedia property with lasting cultural impact—even people who’ve never seen the 1986 fantasy action movie can recognize the line “there can be only one” or hum Queen’s “Princes of the Universe.”The original Highlander hit theaters on March 7, 1986. It wasn’t widely beloved at the time, but it still became an enduring cult favorite. Today, the franchise is gearing up for a major comeback with Henry Cavill in a new reboot—and revisiting the original makes it clear why.The 1980s saw numerous attempts to revive fantasy cinema, hoping a successful sword-and-sorcery film would rekindle interest in the genre the way Star Wars inspired a new era of science fiction. The few hits, like The Princess Bride and The Neverending Story, were based on existing material and appealed to all ages. In contrast, Highlander came from screenwriter Gregory Widen, who drew inspiration from the grounded medieval combat in Ridley Scott’s The Duellists; 20th Century Fox hired director Russell Mulcahy after his Australian exploitation horror film Razorback found success.Without an epic opening crawl like George Lucas’ blockbuster trilogy, Highlander forced audiences to pay close attention to follow its admittedly confusing plot. The opening action sequence is set in 1985 at Madison Square Garden, but it soon emerges that warrior Connor MacLeod was cursed with immortality after losing his one true love in the 16th century.Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, filming Highlander. | Studio Canal/ShutterstockHighlander might have had broader appeal if Kurt Russell—who was originally cast—had taken the lead, but his last-minute exit made Fox hire Christopher Lambert, who couldn’t speak English at the time. Sean Connery, who played Connor’s mentor Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, was the film’s biggest name, but it was released before his comeback with an Oscar-winning role in The Untouchables and a part as Harrison Ford’s father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.Highlander had an unusual premise that made it too operatic for diehard action fans, too rooted in modernity for fantasy purists, far too violent for kids, and too silly for critics who dismissed it. While its quirky blend of influences proved perfect for future cult status, Highlander asked a lot of casual audiences expecting a more straightforward epic. Despite a $19 million budget—hefty for the time—Highlander was outperformed opening weekend by Pretty in Pink and received scathing reviews, with The New York Times joking that “the dialogue does sound a little like a commercial for a car rental outfit.”Even though it wasn’t a hit, Highlander was marketed like one—with a video game tie-in, collectibles, and a novelization that deepened the lore from Widen’s script. When Cannon Films (the low-budget studio behind many 1980s B-movies) released Highlander on VHS, it found an audience that embraced what others had dismissed as flaws. To them, Lambert’s performance wasn’t wooden—it reflected a confused man out of time—and Connor’s melodramatic backstory fit Scottish mythology. Even skeptics could admit the swordplay was more realistic and well-choreographed than most contemporary action films, and BAFTA-nominated cinematographer Gerry Fisher added an ethereal beauty to what could have been schlock. Thanks to constant airings on HBO, Highlander finally found an audience willing to meet it on its own terms.Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod in Highlander. | Studio Canal/ShutterstockQueen’s involvement certainly helped—they were more popular than ever after their Live Aid performance a year earlier. The film’s reputation turned around so fast that Widen couldn’t even return to write the sequel because he was busy with other projects. Mulcahy, Lambert, and Connery all came back for Highlander II: The Quickening, which was called “a movie almost awesome in its badness,” but the franchise’s long-term viability wasn’t hurt by a popular TV series that launched in first-run syndication in 1992.Highlander never became a cultural phenomenon, but it never fully disappeared either. A 1994 animated series made the franchise more family-friendly, and a string of books expanded on supporting characters—ensuring Highlander could exist without Connor. Two more theatrical sequels flopped, but by the 21st century, a cinematic audience wasn’t needed: a new generation of fans had taken up the comics, web shows, and audio dramas.Whether Highlander still holds up is debatable—is it a genuine classic, a camp favorite, or just the first step into a larger universe? Long-rumored reboot plans finally materialized when John Wick director Chad Stahelski signed on to helm a new version with Henry Cavill, which could either honor the franchise’s legacy or fail spectacularly. The original Highlander phenomenon might be what Freddie Mercury described as “only one sweet moment”—after all, “who wants to live forever?”Highlander streams on Tubi, Pluto TV, and the Roku Channel.
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Iran warns that European countries will be ‘legitimate targets’ if they enter the conflict
An Iranian official issued a warning that any entities entering the conflict against Iran will be deemed "legitimate targets" for Tehran’s retaliatory actions.Majid Takht-Ravanchi made this statement as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized on Saturday to neighboring nations that had been targeted by the Iranian regime."We’ve already notified European countries and others that they need to avoid getting entangled in this aggressive war against Iran," Takht-Ravanchi told the network. "I won’t name specific countries, but if any nation aids or joins the U.S. and Israel in their aggression against Iran, they will undoubtedly become legitimate targets for Iranian retaliation.""This war was forced upon us, and we will continue to respond to the best of our capabilities," he added. "We have a duty to defend our people, and that’s precisely what we’re doing."Takht-Ravanchi also claimed Iran had been acting in good faith in nuclear program talks with the U.S. before America launched Operation Epic Fury and Israel began Operation Roaring Lion on Feb. 28."We are sincere in our efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to this issue," he told France24.Pezeshkian stated on Saturday that any future Iranian attacks will solely be in response to assaults on the country."I want to apologize, on my own behalf, to the neighboring countries that were attacked by Iran," he said, according to The Associated Press. "Moving forward, Iran will not attack neighboring nations or fire missiles at them unless we are first attacked by those countries. I believe this should be resolved through diplomacy."Pezeshkian delivered the apology during a prerecorded televised speech on Saturday following Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman.Despite this vow, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense said on Saturday that its air defense systems intercepted 16 ballistic missiles—15 were destroyed, and one fell into the sea. Digital’s Elizabeth Pritchett and
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Iran’s ideological state: faith, fear and favors drive its expansive propaganda and patronage network
As a child, Benny Sabti recalls receiving an unusual school prize. "For being an excellent student, I got a Persian translation of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf," Sabti told Digital. "They translated Hitler’s book into Persian and handed it out to students."The experience stuck with him. In hindsight, Sabti—now an Iran expert at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS)—says it reflected a broader effort by Iran’s ruling clerical establishment to shape how young Iranians viewed politics, religion and the world around them.Schools, mosques, workplaces and media all became part of an ideological ecosystem built to strengthen loyalty to the regime. But critics of Iran’s leadership argue religion itself was often not the ultimate aim."Faith is their tool," Banafsheh Zand, an Iranian-American journalist and editor of the Iran So Far Away Substack, told Digital. "It’s not the be-all and end-all. It’s something they can hide behind to commit all their crimes."The Islamic Republic was founded on the doctrine of velayat-e faqih, or "guardianship of the Islamic jurist," which gives ultimate political and religious authority to the country’s supreme leader.But Zand says that in practice, the system functions less as a purely religious project and more as a mechanism of political control. "It’s more like a mafia," she said. "They use faith to keep people down."According to Zand, ideology is reinforced through a mix of financial incentives and intimidation. "They tried using rewards, money and buying people’s loyalty," she said.Programs tied to the Basij—a militia linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—often provide benefits like jobs, housing and education to families aligned with the regime."If you’re poor and join the Basij, they give you perks," Zand said. "But you have to go along with whatever they ask of you."Sabti says the Islamic Republic is designed to embed ideology in everyday life. "In banks, offices, public spaces and even bazaars, regime representatives walk between shops telling people it’s time to pray and checking who isn’t participating," Sabti said.Mosques themselves are deeply integrated into the political system. Friday prayer leaders frequently deliver sermons that match government messaging."Iran has 16 propaganda bodies," Sabti said, describing a network of state institutions tasked with spreading the regime’s interpretation of Islam and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.Some institutions also focus on exporting that ideology abroad. "There’s a university dedicated to ," he said. "They bring people from Africa and South America to Iran, convert them to Shiism and send them back to export the Shiite Islamic revolution."Schools play a central role in the regime’s ideological apparatus."Schools are heavily indoctrinated," Sabti said. "In civil studies textbooks, Islam was promoted as superior to all other ideologies." appears across the curriculum. "You can’t separate any school subject from Islam," Sabti said. "Not history, not geography—everything is mixed with ideology. The only thing missing was adding it to math."For Sabti, the Mein Kampf episode symbolized the ideological environment students faced. The message, he said, reinforced hostility toward perceived enemies and planted a political worldview from a young age.Sabti says the system’s credibility is also undermined by the behavior of Iran’s own elites. "You can see it in the second generation," he said. "The elites live in palaces in Iran and other countries. It’s hypocrisy."Zand says ideology has always been backed by intimidation. "They make examples of people in the most vicious way possible," she said. "It’s fear and manipulation."According to Zand, that shapes daily life for many Iranians. "Everyone is afraid of the police," she said. "Everyone is afraid of their neighbors."Despite the regime’s vast ideological machinery, Sabti believes many Iranians never fully accepted the worldview the government tried to impose."Over the years, the indoctrination has stopped working," he said. "Most of the public doesn’t truly believe it."Still, the Islamic Republic remains in power. "The regime maintains control through ," Sabti said.Zand agrees the system never fully reshaped Iranian society. Many people, she said, complied outwardly just to avoid punishment."They won’t have a problem transitioning as long as they realize the new Iran has no room for the violence and horrific traits of the Islamist regime," Zand told Digital.She said that beneath the surface, Iran’s cultural identity stayed intact even after decades of state pressure.
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‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Hints at an Unexpected Team-Up
Marvel StudiosIt's hard to believe, but the premiere of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is just weeks away, and details of the storyline are gradually coming together. We are aware that will appear, that is more powerful than ever, and that is returning. Yet, the specifics of the upcoming episodes remain a closely guarded secret. A new teaser, however, hints at a redemption arc for a key character, potentially setting up an unprecedented alliance. Watch the teaser here: This 30-second teaser largely reuses footage from earlier previews, but one moment stands out: around the 18-second mark, Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) is seen in a kitchen, throwing knives. This is notable because when we last saw Dex in Season 1, he was on the run from the Anti-Vigilante Task Force. Now that vigilantes operate within the law, could Bullseye switch sides to join Daredevil? A fan-favorite despite his villainy, a redemption story would be a compelling next step for the character. Such a shift would be complicated, however, given that he killed Matt Murdock's closest friend.Bullseye is a perfect Daredevil villain, but could he break good in Born Again Season 2? | Disney+Naturally, this is all conjecture. It's possible Bullseye could cooperate with the task force to help capture other vigilantes. Yet, such a drastic betrayal seems extreme even for him, and he likely wouldn't suit up for that purpose. His brief appearance in the teaser shows him looking every bit like a vigilante in a desperate fight. The good news is we won't be speculating for long. Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 debuts later this month, meaning we'll soon be reunited with every friend and foe. Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 premieres on Disney+ on March 24, 2026.
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Sequel Announced For The Decade’s Most Unexpected Sci-Fi Success
DreamworksMajor animation studios are known for their distinct styles: Sony Animation is celebrated for its innovative, stylized visuals, Pixar consistently delivers cutting-edge, high-concept emotional stories, Aardman sustains the tradition of British stop-motion, and Illumination continues its work with the minions. Dreamworks had firmly established its identity around the Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon franchises, but that perception shifted with the 2024 release of The Wild Robot.The studio's unexpectedly intimate film about a robot that crash-lands on a remote island and forms bonds with the local wildlife represented a significant departure and became a success with viewers. Fortunately, audiences will soon see more of Roz's journeys with the young gosling Brightbill, potentially marking a new chapter for Dreamworks.The Wild Robot told a tearjerker story of robot Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) raising up young gosling Brightbill (Kit Connor.) | DreamworksReports confirm that The Wild Robot will receive a sequel called The Wild Robot Escapes. The production will see some changes, however. While original director Chris Sanders is returning to write the screenplay, the directing responsibilities will be handed over to Nimona co-director Troy Quane and Wild Robot head of story Heidi Jo Gilbert.Following the pattern of the first film, which was adapted from Peter Brown's book, the sequel is based on the second installment in the trilogy. The story continues as Roz is sent to work on a dairy farm, where she longs for her previous life on the island. Her unhappiness eventually reaches Brightbill, who orchestrates an escape to free her.The decision to use the book's title for the sequel not only gives a clear idea of the plot but also allows for speculation about the franchise's future. Since the source material is a trilogy, it is highly probable that the third book, The Wild Robot Protects, will also be adapted. That story involves Roz investigating a toxic "poison tide" affecting the island's marine life, leading her to plunge into the ocean depths.The next Wild Robot movie will adapt the second book in the trilogy, The Wild Robot Escapes. | Little, Brown, and CompanyAn official release date for The Wild Robot Escapes has not been announced, though it is expected that most of the original voice cast will reprise their roles to maintain continuity. Despite the change in directors, the film is anticipated to retain its distinctive painterly aesthetic and atmosphere.This raises the question: could this become Dreamworks' next major franchise? Might it expand beyond the three original novels? It is worth noting that Shrek was also a book adaptation that spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. Even though this robot cannot make the classic Dreamworks Face, she could very well become the new emblem of the studio.The Wild Robot is now streaming on Netflix.
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by: jenn
Netflix’s Top Dark Comedy Returns With a Clever New Angle
NetflixShowrunner Lee Sung Jin has stated that the series was always intended to be an anthology. Looking back, this makes perfect sense, as the first season exhaustively explored a road rage incident, pushing the story to its absolute limit. The main characters had reached their narrative conclusion, as Lee—with assistance from —had already taken them there. However, the concept of "beef" offers endless possibilities, prompting the writer-director team to reunite with A24 and Netflix to deliver a fresh, yet equally intense, interpretation of the idea.“We aimed for this season's conflict to feel more passive-aggressive,” Lee explained in a recent interview with . “It focuses more on the internal suppression of anger commonly found in professional settings.”Beef Season 2 broadens its scope, introducing a clash between a young, recently engaged couple and their affluent bosses. After Ashley (Cailee Spaeny) and Austin (Charles Melton) witness their employer Josh (Oscar Isaac) in a furious argument with his wife, Lindsay (Carey Mulligan), the previously stable power dynamic begins to crumble. They are not the only ones headed for conflict this season, as Beef enlists two iconic South Korean actors to intensify this subdued class struggle, promising a more intricate examination of the generational divides introduced in Season 1.While Ashley and Austin engage in a power struggle with Josh and Lindsay, they all report to another authority. Minari’s Youn Yuh Jung plays Chairwoman Park, the billionaire owner of the country club where they are employed—and the pursuit of her favor is what links these different couples. Beef Season 2 heightens the tension by casting star Song Kang-ho as the chairwoman's second husband, a doctor caught in a scandal that threatens to unravel her entire empire.Featuring a Gen Z couple described as “never having been tested,” a more cunning Millennial duo, and the Boomers who control the hierarchy, the new season of Beef is poised to be significantly more ambitious than the last. The initial trailer reveals little about specific plot points, but viewers will soon have the chance to immerse themselves in another volatile clash of determination.Beef Season 2 premieres April 16 on Netflix.
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by: nicole
As UN Sends Mixed Messages, Witkoff Reveals Iran’s ‘Pride’ in Nuclear Evasion
The striking details shared by Steve Witkoff regarding his discussions with Iran—along with the regime’s boastful comments about its have seemingly been ignored by the U.N. nuclear agency.Days into the U.S.-Israel joint campaign against Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi posted on X: "No evidence has emerged that Iran is building a nuclear bomb." Digital reached out to the IAEA to ask how it can assess the potential development of a nuclear weapon without access to Iran’s facilities but received no response as of press time.Grossi’s post coincided with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s appearance on ’s Sean Hannity show earlier this week, where he detailed his talks with the Iranian regime prior to the U.S. and Israel launching their military operation against Tehran.Witkoff disclosed that Iranian negotiators claimed they had an "inalienable right" to enrich uranium. When he countered that the Trump administration held the "inalienable right to stop [them]," the negotiators clarified this was only their starting position."They have roughly 10,000 kilograms of fissionable material, split into about 460 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium and another 1,000 kilograms of 20% enriched uranium," Witkoff explained. "They manufacture their own centrifuges to enrich this material, so there's . They have an endless supply of it. The 60% material can be upgraded to 90%—weapon-grade—in roughly one week, or at most 10 days. The 20% can reach weapon grade in three to four weeks."Witkoff added that during his first meeting with the negotiators, they stated "with no shame that they controlled 460 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium and knew this could make 11 nuclear bombs, and that was their opening negotiating stance.""They were proud of it. They were proud to have evaded all sorts of oversight protocols to get to a place where they could ," Witkoff said.Grossi, who is running to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, nevertheless admitted in his X post that Iran maintains "a large stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium" and noted the Islamic Republic has not allowed inspectors full access to its program. Given these facts, he said the IAEA "will not be in a position to confirm that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful" until Iran "assists in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues."Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor to the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), told Digital: "Throughout the Biden years, few paid attention to Rafael Grossi when he repeatedly warned publicly that with and providing false statements to the IAEA about ongoing investigations into undeclared facilities, activists, and nuclear material."The former Trump administration official said: "Some key facts are being ignored today. The IAEA Board last year found Iran in breach of the NPT. To this day, Grossi has confirmed the IAEA cannot verify Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful."He continued: "This is not Iraq where we lacked hard public evidence of a nuclear weapons program. Iran has built nearly every part of its nuclear weapons program in plain sight, with weaponization work proceeding at undeclared sites controlled by SPND. If the administration had evidence the regime was moving quickly to reconstitute key elements of that program—from advanced centrifuge manufacturing to completing a new underground enrichment site alongside advancing delivery vehicle programs—the president was fully justified in enforcing the red line he set after Operation Midnight Hammer."Spencer Faragasso, a senior fellow at the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), told Digital that his organization calculated prior to the June 2025 12-Day War that Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium. With about 24 or 25 kilograms of 90% enriched uranium required per weapon, Faragasso said Iran could produce 11 weapons in one month.Faragasso noted there remain questions: Can Iran access its enriched materials? Do they have additional centrifuges not installed in the struck facilities?"Enriching uranium to weapon grade is actually a tall order," he said, explaining it would require a new enrichment site and components/materials Iran would either recover from destroyed facilities or illicitly import from abroad. With a few hundred centrifuges (enough for two or three cascades), Faragasso said Iran could enrich its uranium stores to weapon grade."To be clear, the successes gained from are not permanent, and regime officials have publicly stated their desire to reconstitute their enrichment and nuclear programs," he said. "The longer time passes, the worse the situation will get. It won’t improve—especially regarding the ballistic missile program."He said Iran had previously expressed interest in opening a fourth enrichment site, which the IAEA stated was in Esfahan. According to Faragasso, there was "never confirmation" of the site’s location or construction progress.The group is now tracking an Israeli strike on March 3 at Min-Zadayi—a site Faragasso said was "completely unknown" to them previously. The Israel Defense Forces reported on X that the site was "used by a group of nuclear scientists working to develop a key component for nuclear weapons."The State Department referred Digital to remarks made by Secretary of State to the press on Tuesday about Iran’s nuclear program."This terrorist, radical, cleric-led regime must never be allowed to have nuclear weapons." Explaining the Islamic Republic was "willing to slaughter its own people in the streets," Rubio told reporters: "Imagine what they would do to us. Imagine what they would do to others. Under President Trump, that will never, ever happen."
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by: jenn
Netflix Has Just Silently Released This Year’s Most Creative Sci – Fi Thriller
NetflixThere's a sense of comfort in the familiar, especially when it comes to movies. When you start watching a certain type of movie, you know what to anticipate. When you watch a particular genre, you know there'll be a tough hero with a tragic back - story attempting the impossible. However, Netflix's latest thriller, War Machine, manages to blend both aspects into a convoluted tale of the military's best facing an extraterrestrial threat.War Machine originated from a nightmare that director Patrick Hughes had one night. “I had this idea floating around in my head. I knew I wanted to tell a story about the last 24 hours of the simulated mission as part of the Army Ranger selection program,” he tells Inverse. “Then I had this terrible nightmare where I was being chased in a forest with rain and lightning. I only saw the foot of this huge metallic creature, and it was following me, and it had a laser that was scanning over.” The Army Ranger selection process is arduous, but not as much as an alien invasion. | NetflixThese two elements form the entire structure of the movie. For the most part, we follow the candidates for the Army Ranger selection program, who are referred to by numbers rather than names. Our hero, 81 (Alan Ritchson), is determined to make the cut in memory of his brother (Jai Courtney). However, the sergeants in charge are uncertain if he has the mental strength required, even though he easily gets through all the difficult obstacle courses. Mission: Impossible’s Esai Morales plays Officer Torres, one of the leaders of this process. “I can tell who will be a problem and who won't,” Morales tells Inverse. “Who is a good soldier? Because these are matters of life and death. So for me, in my role, I really enjoy getting deeply into this character and going all - out.”For the first hour or so, the most remarkable aspect of the film is the large number of stunts performed by star Alan Ritchson. “It was extremely difficult to bring this character to life physically,” Ritchson tells Inverse. “We were pushing my body to its absolute limits just to try to capture what many of these Army Rangers experience in their daily real - world lives.” In the third act, War Machine turns into a survival thriller. | NetflixBut that sense of realism is disrupted when the last few candidates take on a field exercise. They think it's just their final exam, but it's actually a terrifying metal alien intent on hunting everyone down. Suddenly, a fight to make the cut turns into a fight for survival. That's when a third genre is added to the “military” and “sci - fi” combination — a survival thriller. “We're making a big action sci - fi movie, but it's also a survival thriller,” Hughes says. “If we look at movies like Deliverance or Revenant, they were huge inspirations for this. And ultimately, you can't make a survival film without it having elements of horror because of the isolation.”Saying that War Machine is a genre - bender is a huge understatement — it combines the best parts of each of its distinct elements, meaning all aspects of a thrilling story get to stand out. War Machine is now streaming on Netflix.