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Rapper Afroman, whose real name is Joseph Foreman, testified in court against the Adams County Sheriff's Office, claiming they wrongly raided his home in 2022. The raid led to Afroman creating a satirical music video that the sheriff's office claimed defamed them, invaded their privacy, and caused emotional distress. The video has been viewed over 3 million times. During the trial, a deputy broke down in tears while testifying about the video's impact.

An Australian traveler, Thomas Jesse Bingham, 35, got into a violent altercation with a TSA agent at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), allegedly yanking the agent's hair and slamming him into a glass wall. The incident occurred after Bingham accused the agent of stealing his passport during a search for his missing backpack and travel documents. Bingham faces a federal charge of assaulting a federal officer, which carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison.

A former Washington state teacher, McKenna Kindred, was convicted of having sex with her 17-year-old student. The illicit affair began in June 2022 after the student found her Instagram account, leading to explicit exchanges and eventually sex at her home. The student's mother discovered that Kindred had sent her son 'gas money' through Venmo, which she initially found 'kind of inappropriate' but didn't know the reason for. The affair was exposed when the boy's friends shared screenshots of their racy messages with another teacher, who alerted the police. Kindred was arrested, confessed to first-degree sexual misconduct, and received a two-year probation sentence, a $700 fine, and 10-year sex offender registration. She and her husband have since relocated to Idaho.

A 23-year-old mechanic, Javier Yat, is making at least $2,200 a night by changing tires next to a massive pothole on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn. The pothole has become a lucrative business opportunity for Yat, who charges between $150 and $300 per tire. The city's Department of Transportation has been criticized for its handling of pothole repairs, with complaints increasing by 33% in the first two months of this year. Despite claims of having adequate staffing, the agency's efforts have been ineffective, with the pothole on the Belt Parkway being a persistent problem.

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, a key test of Gov. JB Pritzker's influence. Pritzker backed Stratton, donating $5 million to her supporting PAC, despite criticism from within his party. Stratton's campaign focused on progressive issues, including abolishing ICE. She will face Republican Don Tracy in the November general election.

The 98th Academy Awards saw a significant decline in TV ratings, with only 17.9 million viewers tuning in on ABC and Hulu, a 9% drop from the previous year. Despite host Conan O'Brien's efforts, the ceremony failed to captivate audiences, who instead turned to social media to engage with the event. The decline is part of a larger trend of awards shows struggling to adapt to changing viewer habits, with audiences preferring streaming platforms and short-form content. The Academy is looking to move the Oscars to YouTube in 2029 to reach younger viewers. While the ratings dropped, the ceremony still delivered memorable moments, and the event remains relevant, albeit in a different form, with social media now playing a major role.

The article criticizes Susan Rice, a former advisor in the Obama and Biden administrations, for threatening retaliation against those who cooperate with the Trump administration. Rice's comments on a podcast suggested that elites who support Trump would face accountability when Democrats regain power. The author argues that Rice's threat is hypocritical, given her involvement in the Obama administration's spying on Trump's 2016 campaign and the Biden Justice Department's indictment of Trump. The article accuses Rice and the Democrats of practicing the opposite of what they preach, and suggests that Rice should step back from public life.

The New York Archdiocese has announced that three Catholic schools in New York will be closing at the end of the academic year due to significant challenges. The schools slated for closure are Incarnation School in Manhattan, Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale, and Most Precious Blood School in Walden. Additionally, two other schools will be consolidating their campuses. The decision is part of an ongoing Catholic schools renewal plan aimed at sustaining and strengthening Catholic education across the archdiocese. The archdiocese stated that the decisions were made after extensive reflection, study, and prayer, and expressed hope that students from the closing schools would continue their Catholic education in other schools within the archdiocese.

A 22-year-old man was seriously injured after being thrown from a Jeep during a crash in Port Aransas, Texas, a popular spring break destination. The incident was captured on video, showing the man twerking on the vehicle's roof before the drunk driver crashed into another car. The driver, Riley Rhoades, was arrested for DWI and faces charges of intoxication assault. The incident was one of several chaotic events in Port Aransas over the weekend, including a shooting incident involving a 17-year-old from San Antonio who allegedly opened fire on the beach, injuring five people.

The article discusses President Trump's global endeavors and their impact on the world order. Trump has taken bold moves to challenge the existing status quo, including aggressive actions against China, Panama, Greenland, Gaza, Mexico, and Venezuela. The article argues that Trump's approach is shaking up the elitist world order and that there is no going back. The author criticizes the 'rules-based world order' as a fantasy that was used to justify inaction and decline. The article also discusses the reactions of global leaders to Trump's moves, particularly the war with Iran, and how they have been caught off guard and are struggling to respond. The author concludes that the world will never be the same and that Trump's actions will either dramatically favor the US or lead to severe consequences.

A shooting occurred at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico on Tuesday evening, resulting in one person dead and another injured. The base was placed on lockdown after reports of an active shooter situation, but the lockdown was later lifted after the base was deemed safe. The identities of the victims and the gunman have not been released, and it is unclear if those involved were members of the military. The 49th Wing, which is based at Holloman, had no additional comment on the incident.

Chile's new president, José Antonio Kast, has begun constructing a border barrier along Chile's northern border with Peru, just five days into his term. The barrier is part of Kast's campaign promise to stem illegal immigration, echoing US President Donald Trump's policies on border control. The planned barrier includes trenches, fences, and surveillance systems, and will be patrolled by military personnel. Kast has portrayed Chile as a country descending into chaos and insecurity due to rising immigration and organized crime, despite being one of the safest and most stable countries in South America. The construction of the barrier marks a significant step in Kast's presidency, which has been characterized as a sharp rightward shift since the end of Chile's military dictatorship in 1990.

Michael B Jordan celebrated his Oscar win for best actor by visiting In-N-Out Burger with his trophy. He was seen eating a 3x3 burger while surrounded by photographers and fans. This is not the first time a celebrity has celebrated an Oscar win with fast food; Hilary Swank, Julia Roberts, and Jamie Lee Curtis have done similar in the past. In-N-Out Burger has a long-standing relationship with the Oscars, having been served at the Vanity Fair afterparty since 1994.

India is set to become a major player in the global weight-loss drug market as the patent on semaglutide, the key ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, expires. Domestic pharmaceutical companies are preparing to launch cheaper generic versions, potentially slashing prices by more than half and expanding access to weight-loss treatments for millions of Indians. The move is expected to transform the country's obesity treatment landscape and potentially create a significant export market.

The King of Spain, Felipe VI, has acknowledged 'abuse' during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, marking a significant step in thawing relations between the two countries. The conquest, which began in the 15th century, led to the spread of Christianity and the Spanish language but also resulted in the deaths of thousands of indigenous people. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the king's comments as a gesture of reconciliation. However, the acknowledgement has reopened a debate over Spain's colonial past, with some Spanish politicians on the right rejecting the idea of reappraising their country's history.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has been formally summoned to Congress by the House Oversight Committee to answer questions regarding her handling of the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The committee is investigating the 'possible mismanagement' of the investigation and the release of Epstein-related files. The justice department has faced criticism for failing to redact the names of Epstein's victims and has been accused of a 'cover-up'. Bondi has been asked to appear on April 14.

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother and author of a children's book about grief, has been found guilty of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, by poisoning him with a fentanyl-laced drink in March 2022. The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching the verdict. Richins, 35, was also found guilty of fraudulently claiming insurance benefits and attempted murder after a previous incident where she poisoned her husband's sandwich. Prosecutors presented evidence that Richins had accumulated significant debt, taken out life insurance policies on her husband, and was having an extramarital affair. The defense did not call any witnesses, and Richins pleaded not guilty to all charges. The most serious charge, aggravated murder, carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

An oil spill caused by a Russian attack on Ukraine's Dniester hydroelectric plant has polluted the Dniester river, affecting Moldova's water supply. The northern city of Balti has had its water supply cut off due to high oil levels in the river. Moldovan authorities have imposed a 15-day state of alert and are working to restore water supplies once oil levels decrease. The incident has also affected Ukraine's water supplies in several regions. Moldova's president, Maia Sandu, has blamed Russia for the pollution, while Russia has accused Sandu of being 'Russiaphobic'.

A senior Zambian government official has revealed that aspiring female politicians in Zambia are being asked for sexual favours by some political parties in exchange for selection as candidates ahead of the August general election. Mainga Kabika, head of the gender division in the president's office, made the disclosure at a conference of state prosecutors, urging women to report such cases. Zambia has a significant gender imbalance in national politics, with only around 15% of MPs being women. The under-representation of women in leadership positions is attributed to 'deep-rooted cultural and structural barriers.' Beauty Katebe, chair of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, echoed Kabika's concerns, highlighting the need for a fast-track court to handle allegations swiftly and stiffer laws to discourage sexual harassment.

Asia-Pacific markets rose on Wednesday, led by South Korea's Kospi, which gained over 5% after Japan reported a 4.2% surge in exports, beating estimates. The Kospi closed at 5,925.03, while the Nikkei 225 jumped 2.87% to 55,239.4. The Hang Seng index rose 0.68%, and the CSI 300 gained 0.45%. U.S. stock futures traded near the flat line ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, expected to keep rates steady at 3.5% to 3.75%. The Middle East conflict escalated with attacks on the UAE's energy infrastructure, heightening fears of supply disruptions.

European stocks are expected to open higher on Wednesday as investors await the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Despite oil prices rising above $100 per barrel due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, global markets trended higher on Tuesday. The Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, and investors will be watching for guidance on whether oil prices could impact future monetary policy decisions. EU inflation data is also due later in the session, ahead of monetary policy decisions from several European central banks on Thursday.

Japan's exports grew 4.2% in February, beating forecasts, but exports to China and the U.S. declined significantly. Exports to other Asian economies, such as Hong Kong and Southeast Asian nations, increased, offsetting the decline. The growth was supported by a surge in semiconductor exports. The export data comes ahead of a Bank of Japan monetary policy meeting and a meeting between Japan's Prime Minister and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Shares of Japanese shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines surged over 11% after activist investor Elliott Investment Management revealed it had established a 'significant' stake in the company. Elliott expressed confidence in Mitsui OSK's long track record and position as one of the world's largest diversified oceangoing vessel owners, but noted that the market undervalues the business. The investment firm sees an opportunity to engage with Mitsui's management to improve market perception and unlock a higher valuation. Mitsui OSK's latest results showed slightly higher revenue but sharply lower profit due to weaker earnings across key shipping segments.

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is facing challenges due to rising gas and petrol prices caused by the Middle East conflict. The government has been hesitant to overturn a 15-year-old freeze on fuel duty, which has cost the Treasury tens of billions of pounds. The surge in crude prices has put pressure on the public finances and households, particularly those in Northern Ireland. The government has announced a £52.4 million package to support vulnerable households, but higher petrol and diesel prices remain a bigger problem. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have been accused of profiteering by petrol retailers, leading to tensions between the government and retailers.

Brazil has implemented new measures to restrict minors' access to social media, requiring adolescents under 16 to have their accounts linked to a legal guardian's account. The law, approved in 2025, aims to protect children from addictive algorithms and prevent access to violent or illegal content. Digital platforms must use 'reliable' age verification methods, and companies that fail to comply face fines and account suspensions. The law also bans advertising aimed at children and adolescents, as well as 'loot boxes' in video games.

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to a significant reduction in oil consumption, with 2.3 million barrels of oil per day avoided in 2025, according to a report by BloombergNEF. This number is expected to more than double to 5.25 million barrels by 2030. The growth in EV sales has been driven by countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand, with China reaching over 50% of EV sales for the first time in 2025. The use of EVs has not only reduced oil consumption but also saved countries billions of dollars in oil imports, with China saving over $28 billion and Europe saving $8 billion per year. Despite a expected slowdown in EV sales in 2026, surging fuel prices have reignited interest in EVs, making them a cost-competitive option with gasoline cars.

The article explores how China's economic rise has redefined the relationships between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China. It highlights the shift from a reliance on financial support to a more personal and kinship-based connection. The story follows Mr. Aw Ban Soon, a third-generation Chinese Singaporean, as he returns to his ancestral home in Anxi county, Fujian province, with his siblings. They find that their relatives are now self-sufficient and that their interactions are more about personal choice and kinship rather than obligation. The article also touches on the changing dynamics between overseas Chinese and their ancestral villages, with clan associations continuing to play a role in organizing trips and maintaining connections.

The Indian aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with passenger traffic expected to hit 1.1 billion by 2047. Currently, only 3-5% of Indians have flown, but the government and airlines are working to increase accessibility and affordability. The number of airports has grown from 74 to 164 in the past decade, and the government has launched initiatives like the UDAN scheme to promote regional connectivity. However, the sector faces challenges such as a pilot shortage, high taxes on fuel, and the need to balance rising costs with low airfares. Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm for flying is growing, with new routes and airports being developed, making air travel more accessible to the common citizen.

The Straits Times' Food and Beverage sector page features various news articles related to the industry. Recent developments include the launch of a website to help locate beverage container return machines, struggles of restaurants due to decreased drinking, and Unilever's consideration of separating its food assets. Several F&B businesses in Singapore are also making headlines, such as Australian tea brand T2 Tea and Hong Kong chain Itacho Sushi shutting down their outlets, while some Singaporean pizzerias are recognized on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 list. Additionally, waiters in Singapore are expected to receive an annual pay rise of up to 6.7% for the next three years.

The article discusses how Iran's drone technology, specifically the Shahed drones, has evolved and is now being used against Ukraine and potentially returning to the Middle East, causing concerns for America and its allies. The Shahed drones originated from Iran's Touphan drone displayed in 2014, which was later developed and sold to Russia. Russia improved the technology and produced tens of thousands of drones, known as Geran-2, to attack Ukraine. The article highlights the growing threat of these drones and the challenges faced by countries in intercepting them.

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The War Room newsletter discusses the effectiveness of ceasefires, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The article questions whether a ceasefire can lead to a durable peace, given the complexities of the conflict and the stance of leaders like Vladimir Putin. It highlights the challenges in negotiations and the fear of a peaceful conclusion. The newsletter also touches upon other international issues, such as America's gunboat diplomacy and the military dynamics in the Gulf states.

The Princess of Wales celebrated St Patrick's Day with the Irish Guards, presenting them with shamrocks and meeting with soldiers' families. She attended the annual parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, where she greeted the regiment's mascot, an Irish wolfhound named Turlough Mor. The princess also presented good conduct and long-service medals to three soldiers and interacted with the family of Lance Sergeant Mills, who led the drums and pipes during the parade. Meanwhile, St Patrick's Day was celebrated by Irish communities worldwide, with events taking place in New York and Washington DC.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title due to misconduct during the final against Morocco. The CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, which will be recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco. The decision follows a controversial incident in the 98th minute when Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco was awarded a penalty. Senegal eventually won the game 1-0 in extra time. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced plans to pursue legal action, citing the impact of Senegal's walk-off on the match. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino criticized the behavior of Senegal players, staff, and supporters, describing the scenes as 'unacceptable'.

The article discusses four key takeaways from Donald Trump's recent public appearances, including his comments on Iran, a fake AI video, a phone call with UK Prime Minister Starmer, and his understanding of Lebanon's geography. Trump's statements on Iran were inconsistent, and he revealed that he had been fooled by a fake AI video showing a US aircraft carrier on fire. The article also highlights Trump's conversation with Starmer, where he expressed frustration that the Prime Minister needed to consult his team before making decisions. Additionally, Trump showed a lack of understanding of Lebanon's geographical power structure.

Tencent Holdings has integrated its QClaw AI agent as a mini-program in its WeChat app, allowing users to control their personal computers remotely from their smartphones. The QClaw AI agent, based on OpenClaw, enables users to send commands to their PCs via audio messages and images. This move is part of Tencent's efforts to expand the adoption of its OpenClaw-based tool and capitalize on China's 'lobster fever' trend. The upgraded version of QClaw is still in beta testing mode but will be made available to more users than the initial version. The integration aims to make it easier for users to deploy and use the AI agent directly within WeChat, a super app with over 1.4 billion monthly active users.

Chinese scientists have used E coli bacteria to fight breast tumors in mice by colonizing tumor cells and delivering a cancer drug directly from within, potentially reducing the toxic side effects of traditional chemotherapy. The research, conducted by scientists from Shandong University, was published in the journal PLOS Biology and suggests a new approach to targeted cancer therapy. The team used a strain of E coli called E coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), which is known for its probiotic properties and ability to accumulate and proliferate within solid tumors. The engineered EcN enabled drug biosynthesis and precise delivery, showing powerful anticancer activity.

Hong Kong's Education Secretary Christine Choi Yuk-lin has stated that closing under-enrolling schools is unavoidable due to the city's declining population. Despite efforts to support the sector through 'soft-landing' measures, 15 public primary schools were not approved to operate subsidised Primary One classes due to low enrolment. Choi emphasized the need for innovative thinking to ensure the sustainable development of Hong Kong's education system.

Two boats carrying 21 people, including 18 students from a Kyoto high school, capsized off the coast of Henoko, Japan, resulting in the deaths of a 17-year-old female student and the captain of one of the boats. The incident occurred near a controversial U.S. military base relocation site on the southern island of Okinawa. The cause of the accident is under investigation, but officials reported that the water was not very rough despite a high-wave advisory. The incident has drawn attention to the long-standing controversy surrounding the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, where many residents oppose the base due to concerns about accidents, noise, pollution, and crime.

Alleged Latin American narco-trafficker Sebastian Marset appeared in a U.S. court after being captured in Bolivia. Marset, a 34-year-old Uruguayan national, faces money laundering conspiracy charges connected to his alleged cocaine trafficking organization. He is accused of laundering proceeds through purchasing and sponsoring lower-level professional soccer teams across Latin America and Europe. Marset had been on the run since July 2023 and had a $2 million U.S. bounty on his head. Bolivian authorities seized $15 million in assets from Marset, including 16 planes, five houses, and firearms. Marset could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Fareed Zakaria argues that the U.S. is falling into an 'imperial trap' with Iran, similar to Britain's experiences in Asia in the 20th century. He draws parallels between the historical imperial ambitions of Britain and the current U.S. foreign policy towards Iran, suggesting that the U.S. is succumbing to similar temptations. Zakaria's commentary is part of his analysis on CNN's GPS with Fareed Zakaria.

A recent missile strike by Iran targeted Tel Aviv, Israel, with CNN cameras capturing what appeared to be a cluster munition in the skies over central Israel. CNN's Jeremy Diamond reported on the ground in Tel Aviv, providing firsthand information about the incident. The strike is part of a larger context of tensions between Iran and Israel, with various geopolitical implications. The article includes a video of the incident and Diamond's report.

The European Union has offered to pay Ukraine to repair a damaged oil pipeline that supplies crude oil to Hungary, in an attempt to persuade Hungary to lift its veto on a $106 billion EU loan to Ukraine. The pipeline, known as Druzhba, was damaged in January, halting Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian officials blame Russian drone attacks for the damage, while Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accuses Ukraine of deliberately holding up oil supplies. Orbán has vetoed the EU loan and is blocking new sanctions against Russia, citing the interrupted oil shipments. EU officials hope that their offer of technical support and funding to fix the pipeline will pave the way for overcoming the current blockage and ensuring the rapid repair of the pipeline.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations title, declaring Morocco the champion. The decision was made after Senegal's victory in the final was contested due to a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco. Senegal has announced plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The ruling has been met with criticism from Senegalese officials, who called it a 'shame for Africa'. The decision is likely to have implications for both teams as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

The leader of an international pro-life group, Shawn Carney, is criticizing a bill being considered in the United Kingdom that would protect women from criminal liability for abortions up until birth. The bill, known as the Crime and Policing Bill, includes a provision, Clause 208, that would remove criminal penalties for women in England and Wales who end their own pregnancy at any stage. Carney argues that this bill is 'absolutely absurd' and represents 'a desire to kill.' He fears that if enacted, it would start an unfortunate trend throughout Europe. The bill is currently in its final stages in the House of Lords and is expected to receive a vote soon.

Researchers at the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Kyoto, Japan, have found that the way people walk can reveal their emotional state. In a study, scientists asked volunteers to guess people's emotions from video clips of them walking and found that bigger swings of the arms and legs portrayed more aggression, while smaller swings implied fear and sadness. The study suggests that the coordinated swing of the arms and legs is a key feature that people pick up on when assessing others' emotions. The findings have potential applications in identifying vulnerable or threatening people in CCTV footage and developing wearable devices that monitor people's mental states.