Israel Police block Latin Patriarch from Holy Sepulchre Palm Sunday mass Israel Police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Francesco Ielpo, the official Guardian of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, from entering the church to celebrate Palm Sunday mass, citing safety concerns. The Latin Patriarchate condemned the move, and Israel's representative to Rome was summoned to the Italian Foreign Ministry over the incident. The Catholic Church called the police decision a "manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure" that impeded freedom of worship.

Israel Police block Latin Patriarch from Holy Sepulchre Palm Sunday mass #MiddleEastInstability #News

Iran vows no humiliation amid US ground force preparations Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned the US that Iranian forces are waiting to 'set them on fire' if American troops launch a ground invasion. The US has considered sending thousands more troops and using ground forces to seize Kharg Island, while regional diplomats met to discuss opening direct US-Iran talks to end the monthlong war that has killed over 3,000.

Iran vows no humiliation amid US ground force preparations #Politics #News

Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of war leaders Pope Leo XIV stated that God, the 'king of peace', rejects violence and does not listen to the prayers of leaders who wage war with 'hands full of blood'. He asserted Jesus cannot be invoked to justify warfare, during his Palm Sunday address in Vatican City, as conflicts in Iran and Ukraine continued. He also prayed for suffering Christians in the Middle East, while the Latin Patriarchate reported Jerusalem police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday rites.

Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of war leaders #FaithSpirituality #News

Iran attacks Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait with missiles and drones Iran's Revolutionary Guard targeted an Aluminium Bahrain facility with missiles and drones on Saturday, injuring two employees, and also struck the United Arab Emirates, injuring six at Emirates Global Aluminium, which sustained significant damage. The UAE intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 drones, with debris causing a fire in Abu Dhabi. Kuwait reported air threats and damage to its airport radar system from 15 drones, while Oman is investigating drone strikes, including one that injured a foreign worker at the port of Salalah. Iran's IRGC has since threatened retaliatory action against US and Israeli universities in the Middle East.

Iran attacks Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait with missiles and drones #MiddleEastNorthAfrica #News

Yemen's Houthis attack Israel for first time with missiles and drones Yemen's Houthis, backed by Iran, launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, opening a new front in the regional conflict. The group fired a barrage at southern Israel as part of its 'Holy Jihad Battle' and vowed to continue until aggression ends. The Israeli army intercepted the attacks, raising fears of further regional escalation and Red Sea disruption.

Yemen's Houthis attack Israel for first time with missiles and drones #MiddleEastNorthAfrica #News

North Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of targeting US mainland North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test of a high-thrust, solid-fuel engine for a missile capable of targeting the US mainland. The engine, built with composite carbon fiber material, increased thrust to 2,500 kilotons from about 1,971 kilotons in a similar test last September, suggesting efforts to enlarge and modernize its long-range arsenal, potentially for multiple warheads.

North Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of targeting US mainland #MilitaryDefense #News

Zelenskyy visits Gulf Arab states to talk drone defense and seek strategic ties Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed defence agreements with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on March 28, 2026, during his Gulf tour, formalizing cooperation on countering missiles and drones. The pacts include technological collaboration and joint investments, with Ukraine deploying anti-drone experts to the region and leveraging its battlefield expertise to offer Gulf states a cheaper alternative to systems like Patriot missiles.

Zelenskyy visits Gulf Arab states to talk drone defense and seek strategic ties #InternationalRelations #News

French police thwart a suspected bombing outside a Bank of America building in Paris French police thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris early on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, arresting one suspect. The device contained fuel and explosive powder, and the incident occurred around 3:30 am Central European Time. France's counterterrorism prosecutor has opened a terrorism investigation.[237506d02f803fd2][2f4b61f73d14d0a1]

French police thwart a suspected bombing outside a Bank of America building in Paris #France #News

Israeli airstrike kills three journalists covering the war in Lebanon #MiddleEastNorthAfrica #News

Missile launched at Israel from Yemen, says Israeli military, as strikes continue on Iran The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen launched a missile toward Israeli territory on Saturday, March 28, 2026, marking its first confirmed attack on Israel since Operation Roaring Lion began. The IDF activated air defenses, triggering sirens in Beersheba and surrounding areas, with no immediate reports of casualties. The attack followed an Iranian missile barrage overnight that killed one person in Israel.

Missile launched at Israel from Yemen, says Israeli military, as strikes continue on Iran #MiddleEastNorthAfrica #News

House passes DHS funding bill; Senate Democrats declare it dead The US House passed a short-term bill to fund DHS, including ICE and CBP, through May 22, but Senate Democrats vow to block it, leaving the partial shutdown ongoing. The Senate is on recess with no plans to consider the House bill, while President Trump has ordered back pay for TSA employees.

House passes DHS funding bill; Senate Democrats declare it dead #UsPolitics #News

Iran missile attack wounds 10 US troops, damages aircraft at Saudi base #MiddleEastNorthAfrica #News

Trump announces new relief measures for US farmers President Trump announced new federal aid for farmers, including enhanced SBA loan guarantees, updated renewable fuel standards, and a temporary E15 gasoline waiver. The measures aim to cut costs and boost demand amid economic strains from tariffs and the Iran war. The SBA's 'Grocery Guarantee' program, offering 90% loan guarantees, begins May 1, 2026.

Trump announces new relief measures for US farmers #UnitedStates #News

US expects to finish Iran military operations within weeks Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 27, 2026, that US military objectives in Iran are being achieved ahead of schedule and operations are expected to conclude in weeks without deploying ground troops. He noted the US has received messages from Iran about a willingness to talk but awaits clarification. Rubio's comments on a swift end contradicted reports President Trump was considering deploying an additional 10,000 troops to the region.

US expects to finish Iran military operations within weeks #InternationalRelations #News

Tiger Woods involved in rollover car crash in Florida Golf legend Tiger Woods was involved in a rollover car crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026. The Martin County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident, with one person reported stable and another declining hospital transport. Officials are investigating the cause, with a press conference scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.

Tiger Woods involved in rollover car crash in Florida #Sports #News

US intelligence says strikes destroyed one-third of Iran's missile arsenal #UnitedStates #News

Airport security wait times to take weeks or month to return to normal Travelers should expect weeks or over a month for TSA wait times to normalize despite Senate funding. More than 450 TSA agents have quit since the partial shutdown began, causing historic delays. Unpaid workers are calling out, taking extra jobs, and using food banks, while ICE agents have been deployed to assist at major airports.

Airport security wait times to take weeks or month to return to normal #UnitedStates #News

House Republicans resist DHS funding bill over ICE, Border Patrol exclusion House Speaker Mike Johnson has rejected the Senate-passed $1.2 trillion spending package that funds most of DHS but excludes ICE and Border Patrol, vowing not to bring it to the floor with President Trump's support. He plans a 60-day continuing resolution, while Senate Democrats call it 'dead on arrival.' The 42-day DHS shutdown continues, causing airport chaos and financial hardship for federal workers.

House Republicans resist DHS funding bill over ICE, Border Patrol exclusion #UsPolitics #News

DOJ says FBI Director's email hacked by Iran appears authentic The US Department of Justice confirmed Iran-linked hackers breached FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email, with published material appearing authentic. The Handala Hack Team posted taunting messages and documents from 2010-2019. Patel responded by threatening to hunt down the group and offering rewards for information on its members.

DOJ says FBI Director's email hacked by Iran appears authentic #UnitedStates #News

Sony raising PlayStation 5 console prices globally by $100 Sony is increasing the price of all PlayStation 5 consoles globally by $100, effective April 2, 2026. The standard PS5 will rise to $649.99, the Digital Edition to $599.99, and the PS5 Pro to $899.99. The company cited difficult economic circumstances and high memory chip costs linked to the AI boom, apologizing to players but stating the hike is necessary.

Sony raising PlayStation 5 console prices globally by $100 #BusinessEconomics #News

Pakistan mediates indirect US-Iran talks to end war Pakistan is mediating indirect backchannel talks between the US and Iran to end the Middle East conflict. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar confirmed a 15-point US framework is under Iranian deliberation, with Turkey and Egypt also supporting the initiative. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks, and leaders from all three nations have held recent phone discussions.

Pakistan mediates indirect US-Iran talks to end war #InternationalRelations #News

Israel launches new wave of strikes on Tehran ahead of UN meeting #MiddleEastNorthAfrica #News

China launches trade probes against US in retaliation China's Commerce Ministry launched two counter-investigations into US trade practices on April 24, 2026, a reciprocal response to recent US Section 301 probes. The investigations, which could last six to nine months, will examine US restrictions on Chinese goods and barriers to green energy exports. This move escalates trade tensions ahead of an expected Trump-Xi summit in May.

China launches trade probes against US in retaliation #UnitedStates #News

Illinois defeats Houston 65-55 to advance to NCAA Elite Eight The No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini beat the No. 2 seed Houston Cougars 65-55 in a physical Sweet 16 game, eliminating last year's national runner-up. Illinois used a 17-0 second-half run to pull away, with freshmen David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler each recording a double-double, a historic feat for freshman teammates. The win sends Illinois to the Elite Eight for the second time in three years, where they will face No. 9 seed Iowa on Saturday.

Illinois defeats Houston 65-55 to advance to NCAA Elite Eight #Sports #News

Senate advances deal to reopen DHS after 42-day shutdown, sends bill to House The US Senate unanimously passed a funding package to reopen most of the Department of Homeland Security, ending a 42-day partial shutdown. The deal excludes funding for ICE and Border Patrol, includes $20 million for body cameras, and heads to the House where its future is uncertain. President Trump said he would pay TSA workers as airports faced historic wait times and high employee absences.

Senate advances deal to reopen DHS after 42-day shutdown, sends bill to House #UsPolitics #News

Trump reveals Iran's 'present' was passage of oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz President Donald Trump revealed that Iran's 'present' was an offer to let eight to ten oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which he framed as a sign of progress in negotiations. He has extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the strait to April 6, 2026, delaying threatened attacks on Iranian power plants. Iran has circulated a letter stating 'non-hostile' vessels can pass but excluded US and Israeli ships, while its parliament drafts new permanent traffic regulations.

Trump reveals Iran's 'present' was passage of oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz #UsPolitics #News

Bennett Stirtz leads Iowa to Elite Eight with late comeback win over Nebraska The No. 9-seed Iowa Hawkeyes rallied from a double-digit deficit to defeat No. 4-seed Nebraska 77-71 in the NCAA Sweet 16, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987. Bennett Stirtz hit a crucial go-ahead three-pointer late, and a critical Nebraska error with only four players on the court in the final minute helped seal the win. Iowa will face either Illinois or Houston on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four.

Bennett Stirtz leads Iowa to Elite Eight with late comeback win over Nebraska #Sports #News

Netflix raises prices for all US subscription plans Netflix increased prices for all its US subscription tiers on Thursday, March 26, 2026, its second hike in just over a year. The ad-supported plan rose to $8.99 monthly, while standard and premium ad-free plans each increased by $2. The company cited its $20 billion content budget and reinvestment in entertainment as reasons for the hike.

Netflix raises prices for all US subscription plans #BusinessEconomics #News

US Treasury plans to put President Trump's signature on all new paper currency The US Treasury Department announced plans to put President Donald Trump's signature on all new US paper currency, a first for a sitting president. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's signature will also appear, with officials stating it recognizes historic achievements. The move follows other instances of Trump's name and likeness being placed on American institutions.

US Treasury plans to put President Trump's signature on all new paper currency #UsPolitics #News

US 30-year mortgage rate hits 6.38%, highest level in over six months The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.38% for the week ending March 26, 2026, its highest since September 2025 and fourth consecutive weekly increase. The surge, driven by inflation concerns from the US-Israeli war in Iran, has dampened the spring housing market, with overall home loan applications falling 10.5% and refinance applications dropping 15% this week.

US 30-year mortgage rate hits 6.38%, highest level in over six months #UsEconomy #News