Former US Representative Colleen Hanabusa, a trailblazing figure in Hawaiian politics, has died at 74 after a battle with cancer. Hanabusa made history as the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaii state senate and was a prominent lawyer from Waianae. Governor Josh Green ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, recognizing her decades of advocacy and barrier-breaking leadership. Her legacy includes significant public service, despite facing political setbacks in her bids for the US Senate and governorship, and later contributing to Honolulu's rail project.

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San Jose State University (SJSU) and the California State University (CSU) system are suing the U.S. Department of Education, challenging a Title IX violation finding related to a transgender volleyball player. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) determined SJSU mishandled the situation involving trans athlete Blaire Fleming and other players, threatening federal funding cuts. SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson asserts the university followed the law and seeks to defend its integrity and commitment to the LGBTQ community. This lawsuit follows allegations by former co-captain Brooke Slusser regarding Fleming's presence in shared spaces and an alleged conspiracy to injure her during a match.

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The US-Israel conflict with Iran continues, with 27,000 Americans evacuated from the Middle East since Saturday. Three UN peacekeepers were injured in Lebanon amid heavy firing, and US forces are investigating a deadly strike near an elementary school in Iran, which killed dozens of children. President Trump reiterated demands for Iran's "unconditional surrender" and a new, acceptable leadership. The situation highlights escalating military actions, humanitarian concerns, and complex diplomatic challenges in the region.

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The war in Ukraine is witnessing a significant escalation in high-tech warfare with the deployment of armed ground robots, known as Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs). Ukraine has launched a massive program to integrate these robots, which have already reportedly repelled attacks, captured enemy soldiers, and even engaged in robot-on-robot clashes. While UGVs can operate autonomously for movement and detection, human operators still make the final decision to fire due to ethical considerations and international humanitarian law. This development underscores Ukraine's strategy to conserve manpower amidst shortages, utilizing robots for dangerous tasks like machine gun fire and explosive attacks.

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A new study published in Nature indicates that global sea levels are significantly higher than scientists previously understood, potentially impacting millions more people. Researchers from Wageningen University found that over 90% of coastal flooding studies relied on mathematical models (geoids) rather than actual ocean measurements, leading to underestimates of up to several meters in some regions. This discrepancy means that under a three-foot sea-level rise scenario, up to 37% more land could be inundated, affecting 77 to 132 million additional individuals worldwide. The findings emphasize an urgent need for updated assessments and proactive planning, particularly in lower-income areas and the West Coast of North America.

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Bernard LaFayette, a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and a crucial organizer of the Selma voting rights campaign, has died at 85 from a heart attack. LaFayette's quiet, risky groundwork in Selma two years before 'Bloody Sunday' was instrumental in setting the stage for the 1965 Voting Rights Act. A co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he championed nonviolence, even facing an assassination attempt. His life's mission, inspired by his grandmother and Martin Luther King Jr., was to institutionalize and internationalize the nonviolence movement globally.

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Ivan Miller, 22, has been arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated murder in Utah, allegedly confessing to killing three women. Miller reportedly told authorities he shot the women with a .45-caliber pistol and stabbed one multiple times, claiming he needed money. The victims were identified as Margaret Oldroyd, 86, Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34, with Dewey being Graves' aunt. The bodies of Dewey and Graves were discovered on a hiking trail, while Oldroyd was found in her home. Miller was apprehended in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, after a multi-state manhunt involving license plate cameras.

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Los Angeles County is transforming vacant buildings at the historic Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk into a new mental health campus, the Los Angeles County Care Community. This initiative aims to address the county's mental health and homelessness crises with a more compassionate, multi-tiered approach. The campus will offer over 150 beds, including secure beds for young adults under conservatorship and interim/permanent supportive housing, funded significantly by Proposition 1. Officials emphasize that while some beds are locked, modern safeguards ensure patient rights, differing from past institutional practices. The project seeks to provide integrated care, allowing individuals to transition between different levels of support on-site.

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Palantir's stock rallied 15% this week, bucking a broader market downturn, driven by increased prospects due to the US-Iran conflict. The company, which provides software and services to the US government and military, is seen benefiting from heightened defense spending. Analysts at Rosenblatt raised their price target, citing the Middle East conflict's positive impact on Palantir's government pipeline. Investor concerns about the government's blacklisting of AI company Anthropic, a former defense partner, appear muted, as Palantir is considered model-agnostic and alternatives exist. (not investment advice)

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The UK Wife Carrying Race, a quirky Scandinavian-inspired event, is set to return to Dorking, Surrey, this Sunday for its 17th year. Approximately 70 couples are expected to compete, with winners earning a spot in the World Championships in Finland. Participants carry their partners—who must weigh at least 50kg and wear helmets—over a 380m course featuring hills, hay bales, and a 'splash zone.' The race director, Ian Giles, notes the event's chaotic yet fun atmosphere, with defending champions Stuart Johnson and Hattie Cronin aiming for a third consecutive win against stiff international competition.

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Gracie McGonigal, an actor born with a limb difference, has landed a role in the new season of Netflix's 'Bridgerton,' defying earlier advice that her disability would hinder her career. McGonigal shared her experience on the BBC Access All podcast, recalling unhelpful comments during drama school auditions that questioned her potential for work. Encouraged by friends, she embraced her limb difference, foregoing a prosthetic hand she once used to try and please others. Her casting as Hazel in 'Bridgerton' marks a significant step for disability representation in the industry, with her character's limb difference subtly acknowledged.

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Amazon announced it will continue to offer Anthropic's artificial intelligence technology to its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud customers, excluding work related to the Department of Defense (DoD). This decision follows the DoD's designation of Anthropic as a "supply chain risk," prompting the AI company to challenge the ruling. Amazon, a major investor in Anthropic, aligns with Microsoft and Google in maintaining access to Claude models for non-defense projects. AWS will support customers transitioning to alternative technologies for DoD workloads, underscoring the complex interplay between government security concerns and commercial AI partnerships. (not investment advice)

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Mourners in Minab, Iran, gathered for the funerals of victims from a deadly air strike on a girls' elementary school, which Iranian authorities attribute to the US and Israel. While neither nation has claimed responsibility, US investigators believe American forces might be responsible, as they were operating in the vicinity. Iranian officials report up to 175 fatalities, mostly schoolgirls aged 7-12, in what they describe as the conflict's largest single loss of civilian life. The school was reportedly near Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, raising questions about targeting and civilian protection amid ongoing conflict.

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The top federal prosecutor in Miami, Jason Reding Quiñones, is spearheading a new initiative to prosecute Cuban leaders, sources familiar with the plan reveal. This working group, involving federal and local law enforcement and the Treasury Department's OFAC, will focus on economic crimes, drugs, violent crimes, and immigration violations, specifically targeting Communist Party leadership. President Trump has expressed interest in toppling Cuba's communist government, drawing parallels to the recent Venezuelan operation. This development underscores an aggressive US stance towards Cuba, similar to ongoing actions against Iran and previous interventions in Venezuela.

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Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a decisive 3-1 win against Wolves, offering a potential path to silverware in a challenging season. Goals from Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Curtis Jones sealed the victory at Molineux, just days after a Premier League defeat to the same opponent. Manager Arne Slot's side, currently sixth in the league, still has hopes for a Champions League run, with a last-16 tie against Galatasaray upcoming. Despite inconsistent performances this season, captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the importance of the FA Cup, aiming to bring home a trophy.

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The LA Galaxy's upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Jamaica's Mount Pleasant FA is embroiled in controversy, as the State Department has denied visas for up to 10 of the Jamaican team's players. Six of these players are Haitian citizens, a country affected by the Trump administration's travel ban. This situation raises concerns about the administration's application of exemptions for major sporting events and its potential impact on this summer's World Cup qualifiers. Mount Pleasant FA, which is scheduled to depart Sunday, may be forced to rely on youth academy players for the crucial game, jeopardizing their competitiveness.

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Israel has initiated a "broad-scale wave of strikes" on Tehran, following Iranian missile attacks on Israel, marking an escalation in the week-long US-Israel war with Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the current bombing campaign aims to inflict significant damage on Iranian missile capabilities. Meanwhile, President Trump has privately expressed interest in deploying ground troops for specific strategic purposes in a post-war Iran and rejected Iran's right to independently choose Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's successor. The conflict has also driven Brent crude oil prices above $90, raising global economic concerns.

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Emmanuel Damas, a 56-year-old Haitian man seeking asylum, died in ICE custody in Arizona, prompting demands for an investigation from lawmakers. His family alleges that an untreated toothache escalated into a deadly infection, a claim contradicted by ICE's detailed timeline of medical care, which states he reported shortness of breath. Damas's brother, Presner Nelson, expressed profound sadness, questioning how a tooth infection could lead to death in the United States. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, have written to Homeland Security and ICE, calling Damas's death "highly preventable" and raising serious questions about the agency's medical care capabilities.

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President Donald Trump announced his intention to issue an executive order within a week to "fix" the current system of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments in college sports. Speaking at a White House roundtable, Trump criticized the recent legal settlement allowing universities to directly pay athletes, warning it could destroy college and women's sports. He expressed confidence that a judge would support his order, despite anticipated legal challenges. Attendees included NCAA President Charlie Baker and former Alabama coach Nick Saban, though no student-athletes were present, sparking criticism from player advocacy groups.

45/100

Veteran Republican Representative Darrell Issa will not seek reelection in his newly redrawn, Democratic-leaning congressional district in San Diego and Riverside counties. Issa, 72, has served over 23 years in Congress, representing various San Diego-area districts. His decision comes after the Proposition 50 redistricting plan reshaped his district to favor Democrats, with registered Democratic voters now outnumbering Republicans by more than four percentage points. Issa is reportedly backing San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond to succeed him, who has already filed to run in the district.

50/100

As clocks 'spring forward' this Sunday, the origins of daylight saving time remain a subject of debate and historical complexity. While often attributed to farmers, they did not necessarily support its early 20th-century adoption. Benjamin Franklin's satirical essay in 1784 is sometimes cited, but New Zealand entomologist George Hudson's 1895 proposal for more daylight for bug collecting is also a theory. British builder William Willet's 1907 pamphlet advocating for earlier clocks to save energy and reduce accidents is another key historical point. The practice was first widely adopted during World War I to conserve fuel, with the US implementing it in 1918.

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Dr. Vinay Prasad, the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the FDA, is set to leave the agency at the end of April, marking his second departure in less than a year. His tenure has been controversial, with the pharmaceutical industry and former health officials criticizing the FDA for reversing guidance on drug and vaccine approval applications. Commissioner Marty Makary praised Prasad's accomplishments, but industry insiders suggest the regulatory uncertainty could stifle the development of new treatments. Prasad will return to his academic role at the University of California San Francisco.

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Oil prices have surged to a two-year high, with Brent crude topping $93 a barrel, following a warning from Qatar's energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi. He stated that all oil and gas exporters in the Gulf region could cease production within days if the US-Iran conflict persists, potentially impacting global economies. This disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, has already caused petrol and diesel prices to rise significantly in the UK. Analysts warn that a prolonged halt poses a severe risk to the global economy, potentially leading to higher inflation and product shortages. (not investment advice)

25/100

President Donald Trump met with CEOs of leading defense companies at the White House, announcing their agreement to quadruple production of "Exquisite Class" weaponry. This surge in production aims to rapidly increase the quantity of high-grade munitions, with expansion efforts already underway for several months. Trump specified the meeting included executives from BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, and L3Harris Technologies. This initiative comes as the US-Iran conflict enters its second week, addressing concerns about munitions supply and reinforcing American military capabilities. (not investment advice)

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A Spanish-language reporter for Nashville Noticias, Estefany Rodriguez Florez, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a traffic stop, with her lawyer alleging agents lacked a warrant. Rodriguez, a Colombian citizen with a valid work permit and pending asylum application, had published reports critical of ICE. While her lawyer claims no warrant was shown, an ICE filing disputes this, stating a valid arrest warrant was issued due to an expired visa. ICE maintains her arrest was part of a "targeted enforcement operation," and she remains in custody as her case proceeds, raising concerns about press freedom.

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Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson was celebrated as an 'ambassador of hope' and a 'champion for the poor' at a Chicago memorial service attended by thousands, including Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Biden, and Vice President Harris. Speakers lauded Jackson's half-century of public life, his transformative presidential campaigns, and his role in inspiring a generation of leaders. Obama credited Jackson with paving the way for his own presidency, while Biden and Sharpton criticized the current administration for values antithetical to Jackson's legacy. Jackson, 84, died after a struggle with a neurological disorder, leaving behind a profound impact on social justice.

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The National Trust for Historic Preservation has renewed its legal efforts to halt the construction of a massive ballroom on the White House grounds, arguing the Trump administration lacks the legal authority for such a project without congressional approval. The group contends that a federal law allowing presidential spending on White House "alteration" and "improvement" applies only to minor projects funded by Congress, not a privately-funded, 90,000-square-foot ballroom. This new filing follows a previous rejection on other grounds, with a federal judge suggesting the legal challenge should focus on the president's statutory power. The administration asserts broad authority, with vertical construction anticipated to begin next month.

40/100

The US economy experienced a "bad news day" with a reported loss of 92,000 jobs last month, significantly missing predictions for a gain, and unemployment edging up to 4.4%. This economic downturn coincides with a surge in oil prices, attributed to the ongoing war in Iran, pushing average gas prices to $3.32 per gallon. Experts warn that unchecked rising oil prices could exacerbate inflation and slow economic growth. These factors present significant warning signs for President Trump's administration, highlighting the potential far-reaching consequences of the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. (not investment advice)

30/100

Brewdog, the craft beer company that grew from a garage startup to a billion-pound enterprise, has entered administration, leaving hundreds jobless and thousands of investors with no return. Co-founders James Watt and Martin Dickie, who cashed out £100m in 2017, departed the company after years of financial losses and accusations of a toxic workplace culture. A pivotal 2017 deal with private equity fund TSG, which included an 18% compound annual interest rate, is seen as a key factor in the company's undoing, creating unrealistic growth targets. Despite claims of being carbon negative and a unique marketing approach, the company's rapid expansion and management decisions ultimately led to its downfall. (not investment advice)

25/100

Honey Cooper, a 10-year-old fourth-grader from San Bernardino, is successfully completing her first college course, ART 120, at San Bernardino Valley College. A GATE-identified student reading at a high school level, Honey's enrollment as a special admit is a rare occurrence, paving the way for younger students to access college coursework. Her mother, Mia Cooper, initiated the process to challenge her gifted daughter, with support from school district officials. Honey's professor, Nader Gergis, noted her receptiveness and progress, affirming the college's mission of accessibility regardless of age. The initiative aims to explore opportunities for more motivated elementary students in higher education.

90/100

Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, is the latest high-profile departure from the Kennedy Center, leaving to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. This exit continues a trend since the Trump administration began asserting control over the Washington performing arts venue, ousting previous leadership and renaming it the Trump Kennedy Center. Numerous artists have canceled performances, and the Washington National Opera ended its residency. Davidson cited "external forces" beyond her control, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the administration's cultural agenda and the center's artistic community, with Trump threatening to close the center for two years.

30/100

A large US B-1 Lancer bomber, capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles, has landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK, signaling a significant military deployment amid the escalating US-Iran conflict. This arrival follows UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer granting permission for the US to use British military bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated a dramatic surge in strikes on Iran, emphasizing increased bomber pulses. While the UK is not directly participating in offensive action, its RAF jets are actively shooting down Iranian missiles and drones targeting allies in the region.

40/100

Early election returns in Nepal suggest a potential landslide victory for the newcomer Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), signaling a massive political shift in the Himalayan nation. The centrist-liberal RSP, founded in 2022, emphasizes transparency and good governance, resonating with voters seeking change after last year's youth-led protests against corruption. Establishment parties like Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal are trailing significantly. Former rapper Balendra Shah, a symbol of the youth vote, is a frontrunner for prime minister, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with previous leaders and a desire for a new direction in Nepali politics.

70/100

Californians are experiencing the highest gas prices in the nation, with averages at $4.91 per gallon and some areas nearing $6, as the conflict with Iran drives up oil costs. The state's unique position is due to higher taxes and stricter requirements for cleaner, more expensive gasoline blends, making it heavily reliant on imported oil. Governor Gavin Newsom's policies aimed at phasing out oil extraction have further reduced local crude oil production, increasing vulnerability to geopolitical events. Drivers express frustration, linking the rising costs directly to the ongoing war and state policies. (not investment advice)

25/100

Ireland defeated a spirited Wales 27-17 in Dublin, earning a bonus-point victory that keeps their slim hopes of reclaiming the Six Nations title alive. Tries from Jacob Stockdale, Jack Crowley, Jack Conan, and Jamie Osborne secured the win for Andy Farrell's side. Despite Irish dominance, Wales responded with tries from Rhys Carre and James Botham, maintaining pressure throughout the match. The result places Ireland one point behind France, who could clinch the title with a bonus-point win against Scotland. Ireland now prepares for a Triple Crown decider against Scotland next week.

75/100

President Donald Trump has explicitly stated his intention to be involved in selecting Iran's next leader, following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump demands Iran's "unconditional surrender" before a new, "GREAT AND ACCEPTABLE leader" is chosen, drawing parallels to the US intervention in Venezuela. This stance is met with strong condemnation from Iran's UN Ambassador, who asserts Iran's sovereignty and right to self-determination. The clerical regime, rooted in deep distrust of America, faces immense pressure as the US president also publicly rejects Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as a successor, complicating an already secretive succession process amid military strikes.

35/100

The average IRS tax refund has increased by 10.6% so far this filing season compared to the same period last year, reaching $3,742 as of February 27. This rise is attributed partly to President Trump's new tax breaks, including deductions for tip income, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, which appear on a new Schedule 1-A form. Additionally, a larger standard deduction and more generous child tax credit for 2025 contribute to the higher refunds. However, experts note that individual refunds also depend on paycheck withholdings and other payments made throughout the year, with changes often providing hundreds, not thousands, of dollars difference. (not investment advice)

65/100

Advocates are increasingly concerned for at least four American nationals wrongfully detained in Iran, including journalist Abdolreza Valizadeh and businessman Kamran Hekmati, as intense US-Israeli bombing continues. Both were held in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, a site previously bombed and now in an area under air attack warnings. The risk of kinetic military strikes and reprisals by prisoners or guards has escalated, with families unable to communicate with detainees. The State Department has designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, and advocates urge the release of these Americans as a potential diplomatic solution to the conflict.

15/100

Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly punching a man in the face at a Miami nightclub. The incident occurred early Thursday as Ogunbowale was celebrating her Unrivaled championship win. Police records indicate security cameras captured the act, which knocked the man to the ground. Ogunbowale, a four-time WNBA All-Star, has since been released from custody. Both the Unrivaled league and the Dallas Wings confirmed awareness of the incident and are gathering further information, with her representatives also contacted for comment.

30/100