The continuous clashes between the M23 rebels and the security forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have caused massive displacements and unrest in various communities. Thousands have sought refuge in Ngungu, located in the Bahunde area of the Masisi Territory in North Kivu.
Displaced families arriving in central Ngungu are facing increasingly difficult situations and strained reception from local residents. Humanitarian workers in the area told HumAngle that the continued influx of displaced people is putting overwhelming pressure on host households in Ngungu.
“Receiving families share the little they have with arriving families, but the situation is becoming untenable,” a humanitarian worker who asked for anonymity for security reasons said. “In several quarters of Ngungu, modest households are currently obliged to welcome three extra families, and promiscuity, lack of food, and insufficient potable water are complicating the daily lives of the displaced persons, who are composed mostly of women and children.”
Local sources said affected communities have received no government intervention, as individuals survive through communal solidarity in an already fragile economic situation.
Community leaders said they have reached out to humanitarian organisations for urgent assistance. Their immediate priorities include distributing food and essential supplies, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and providing healthcare for vulnerable individuals.
“Despite their own personal difficulties, the inhabitants of Ngungu continue to show proof of solidarity towards the displaced persons. The people are organising communal initiatives to share food and temporary shelter,” a local community leader revealed.
Local civic actors stress that while solidarity is commendable, it cannot sustain itself in the long term without structured external assistance. Given the profound needs and increasing vulnerability of displaced persons, the residents of Ngungu are hopeful for a swift response from humanitarian partners to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu.
The ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and DRC security forces has led to significant displacement, with thousands seeking refuge in Ngungu, Masisi Territory, North Kivu. The influx has strained local resources, as residents, despite their limited means, share what they have with displaced families, primarily women and children, leading to overcrowding and scarce access to essentials such as food and potable water.
No government support has reached these communities, necessitating reliance on communal solidarity. Community leaders have requested urgent intervention from humanitarian organizations to address pressing needs like food, clean water, and healthcare. Although the local population is organizing efforts to provide support, leaders emphasize that external assistance is critical to sustain these efforts and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
Tommy Fury is set to take on another triathlon after being accused of ‘lying’ following his first attemptCredit: GettyMolly-Mae greeted her partner at the finish line of his French Riviera feat last yearCredit: TIKTOK / t100triathlonTommy’s brother-in-law Danny Rae says they are training together to take on a triathlon
Now, his brother-in-law Danny Rae says Tommy is set to take on another three-fold endurance race.
“Tommy’s triathlon – he’s gonna do another one I believe,” athlete Danny told The Sun, who is married to Molly-Mae Hague’s sister Zoe.
Speaking at a pop-up event by drinks brand Celsius, Danny continued: “So, yeah, he just likes to be busy. He loves training.”
Tommy took on his first triathlon in August, but faced controversy after a marathon Investigation found that he did not actually finish the event, pointing to his bike splits, which showed he was not logged beyond the 48km point.
A search for his official time on the Sportstats website will reveal a large DID NOT FINISH next to his name.
But, it made him one of 93 athletes not to have completed the route – and there was a valid reason why they didn’t have a chance to go the distance.
Due to road closures and traffic, the group of athletes were told by organisers that they could not finish the route.
With Tommy set to go again, it seems that the whole family could be getting involved, said Danny.
The sportsman, who married Zoe Rae in 2024 andis a Hyrox world champion, continued: “I’m going to do a triathlon.
“So, the Hyrox season ends in June and then I’m just gonna sort of dabble in triathlons.”
Revealing that he and Tommy have been preparing together, Danny added: “We train together quite a lot.
“He obviously is a professional boxer who’s in camp quite a lot, and he’s, again, he’s very regimented with his training.
“But where we can share sessions, if it aligns with both of our individual training programs, we’ll do that.
“So we trained together last night, we had a nice easy 90 minute 90 minutes of aerobic work.”
Danny spoke at a Celsius event, with the sportsman a partner of the energy drinks brandDanny is married to Molly-Mae’s sister Zoe Rae, and has a close bond with the familyCredit: Instagram / zoerae
A loaded oil tanker tanker enters Matanzas Bay off Havana, Cuba, on February 16 and docks near the city’s energy logistics port amid ongoing U.S. energy sanctions on the island. Russia has been sending fuel considered to be aid. Photo By EPA
Feb. 26 (UPI) — The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control said it will allow certain operations to resell Venezuelan-origin oil destined for Cuba, provided the fuel is used by citizens and private companies on the island.
The island nation relied for years on Venezuela for fuel, but shipments stopped after the United States captured Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3 and took control of Caracas’ energy industry.
After the operation, President Donald Trump repeatedly warned that Cuba was on the brink of economic collapse, and he threatened to impose further economic pressure on the country to reach an agreement with the United States. Trump has not publicly defined what kind of agreement he seeks.
The trade measure, published Wednesday, says that the transactions must comply with the conditions of General License 46A for Venezuela. This license is an authorization issued by foreign assets office that allows companies to conduct operations involving Venezuelan oil under specific terms, despite the sanctions in place against that country’s energy sector.
Companies that seek authorization will not need to have an entity established in the United States, and the usual Cuba-related restrictions set out in that license will not apply.
The Treasury Department specified that the policy will cover only exports for commercial or humanitarian purposes that benefit Cuba’s private sector.
Operations involving the Cuban armed forces, intelligence services or other government entities will not be permitted, including those listed on the U.S. Department of State’s Cuba Restricted List.
The Treasury Department recalled that the Commerce Department primarily regulates the export or re-export of U.S.-origin oil to Cuba.
Under the Support for the Cuban People License Exception, certain exports of gas and other petroleum products intended to improve living conditions and support independent economic activity in Cuba do not require separate authorization from foreign assets office provided the applicable terms are met.
The agency referred to its Frequently Asked Question 1226 for the definition of “Venezuelan-origin oil,” which includes petroleum products.
Preliminary data from the Energy Information Administration show that Venezuela exported 339,000 barrels per day of crude to the United States in the third week of February.
At the same time, regional fuel supply to Cuba has been limited. On Jan. 29, the Trump administration declared a national emergency with respect to Cuba, creating a new mechanism to impose tariffs on imports from any country that provides oil to Havana.
On Feb. 17, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government would not send fuel to Cuba “for now” amid the current situation and potential U.S. trade measures.
Cuba faces fuel shortages that have affected electricity supply, transportation and other basic services, and it relies heavily on oil imports.
Separately, the Russian Embassy in Havana confirmed two weeks ago that Russia will send crude oil and refined products to Cuba as humanitarian assistance.
Russia is sending the oil directly, not through intermediaries, and the shipments are considered to be aid, not commercial sales.
The 2026 Annual Sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), known as the “Lianghui,” are a pivotal event. They will witness the official launch and final adoption of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). This plan serves as a roadmap not only for China but also for countries of the Global South, focusing on the shift from quantitative growth to “new qualitative productive forces” based on innovation and technology. It is worth noting that formulating medium- and long-term plans to guide China’s economic and social development is a crucial method of governance employed by the Communist Party of China.
The “Two Sessions” meetings (National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) in China in 2026 represent a strategic focal point for the Global South, outlining the 15th Five-Year Plan, supporting high-quality development through new productive forces, and strengthening trade partnerships, particularly in the areas of energy, transportation, and the digital economy. Its importance to the Global South lies in China’s leadership of economic integration. China aims to promote openness and cooperation, providing an opportunity for the Global South to benefit from the growth of the world’s second-largest economy. Here, (The Global South’s benefit from China’s innovative development models): During the Two Sessions in March 2026, China will present a model of governance and technological innovation that developing countries and countries of the Global South can utilize to achieve sustainable development and digital transformation. Additionally, China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the Two Sessions in March 2026 will strengthen the foundations for trade between China and the Global South in particular: These meetings will pave the way for China to enhance trade with countries of the Global South in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, supporting infrastructure and economic growth in the Global South under China’s leadership. Most importantly, the Two Sessions in March 2026 and China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will support the Asia-Pacific region and the Belt and Road Initiative. China’s Vision 2026 focuses on “building a community with a shared future,” promoting investment projects and economic exchanges with developing countries. Therefore, the upcoming two-day meeting in China in March 2026 is crucial in guiding the Chinese economy towards domestic consumption and innovation, opening new markets and opportunities for developing countries in the Global South.
This tenth five-year plan represents China’s economic and social roadmap for the second half of the current decade, emphasizing “high-quality development” and technological innovation that will benefit developing countries in the Global South. Thus, during the 2026 meetings, China will work to “promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative with high quality.” This “Chinese-style modernization” will contribute to creating more development opportunities for countries around the world, especially those in the Global South, in accordance with President Xi Jinping’s principles of a shared future for mankind, win-win cooperation, and mutual benefit for all, particularly developing countries. The developing world. It aims to achieve the goal of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping of doubling the size of China’s national economy by 2030. To this end, the State Council of China held a plenary meeting on February 6, 2026, to review the draft government work report and the draft 15th Five-Year Plan before submitting them to parliament during the joint sessions of the two councils in March 2026. The annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) to discuss the draft 15th Five-Year Plan is scheduled to begin on March 5, 2026, while the session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) will commence on March 4, 2026.
The meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in March 2026 are of exceptional importance, as they mark the official launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). These meetings, known as the “Two Sessions,” will chart China’s economic and political course for the second half of the current decade, with a focus on transitioning to “new productive forces.” The strategic significance of the Two Sessions in China in 2026 stems from adopting the Decade Roadmap: The 15th Five-Year Plan serves as a crucial link in achieving China’s goal of socialist modernization by 2035. Furthermore, the meetings will address how China will respond to global challenges: These meetings come at a time when China is facing a slowdown in global growth, geopolitical tensions, and internal structural pressures. With a discussion of the (mechanisms and plans for transforming China’s economic model): The upcoming meetings of the Two Sessions in March 2026 aim to shift the Chinese economy from reliance on traditional manufacturing to an innovation- and technology-driven economy. Emphasis will also be placed on further modernizing the state’s governance system and capacity, raising the level of social civilization, enhancing cultural confidence, continuously improving the quality of life for the Chinese people, achieving new progress in providing sufficient and high-quality employment, making significant new strides in building a “beautiful China,” establishing a green lifestyle and production model, strengthening national security, and effectively promoting the construction of a “safe China” at a higher level.
The Chinese political leadership is currently laying the groundwork for the Two Sessions in March 2026, which will determine the contours of the country’s social and economic development over the next five years. Chinese President Xi Jinping held meetings with senior officials to discuss the key priorities of the new Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), while Chinese state media launched a nationwide campaign to gather public feedback. During a symposium held in April 2025 to discuss the 15th Five-Year Plan, President Xi Jinping, in his capacity as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, emphasized that “in planning economic and social development for this period, it is essential to proactively assess the impact of changes in the international landscape on China and adapt to them by adjusting and improving the country’s economic structure.” President Xi highlighted several key areas, including ensuring economic stability by stabilizing employment, supporting businesses, and continuing China’s broad-based economic opening-up. During his speech at the April 2025 symposium to discuss China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi Jinping strongly emphasized scientific and technological development. He specifically called for new, high-quality productive forces to play a more prominent role in the country’s economic revitalization. He also called for strengthening the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, developing emerging industries, and accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system.
In a speech published in the Communist Party’s magazine “Qiushi” in July 2025, President Xi Jinping stated that “the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century, making the technological revolution and competition among major powers increasingly intertwined.” He urged the Chinese nation to consolidate its strategic advantage in the global technology race.
Herein lies the most important strategic dimension of the 15th Five-Year Plan and its impact on the Global South, through leading the technological transformation. The plan aims to achieve “self-reliance” in advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors. For countries in the Global South, this represents an opportunity to break the Western monopoly on technology and gain access to advanced Chinese technological alternatives. Furthermore, China offers a “high-quality development model” during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, transitioning from labor-intensive industries to smart and green manufacturing. This approach provides the Global South with an inspiring model for integrating environmental sustainability with economic growth, particularly in the areas of solar energy and electric vehicles. Finally, the plan promotes “dual-cycle development” by focusing on reducing dependence on foreign markets and boosting domestic consumption. This transformation could lead to a reshaping of global supply chains, opening new horizons for countries in the Global South to export their products to the massive Chinese market, which is expected to reach $20 trillion by 2026. Furthermore, the timing of the launch and discussion of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan presents an opportunity to enhance regional and multilateral cooperation, coinciding with China’s hosting of the APEC summit.
In 2026, the 15th Five-Year Plan will focus on (strengthening economic integration with Asia-Pacific and Global South countries), emphasizing the digital economy, transportation, and energy. Beyond its strategic security and resource implications for the Global South, the 15th Five-Year Plan includes new strategies for marine resource exploitation and deep-sea innovation, a vital area for many coastal developing countries seeking to develop their “blue economy,” drawing on China’s experience in this field.
The 15th Five-Year Plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2030, is expected to focus on enhancing economic resilience and strengthening China’s technological and innovative capabilities. It will be adopted during a plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Chinese Five-Year Plans are the country’s most important policy blueprints, outlining strategic goals for economic and social development over a five-year period. These plans began with the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. They define national priorities, particularly in the areas of economic growth, industrial development, education, and social development, and serve as binding guidelines for all local, regional, and national governments. China, a leading force and supporter of the Global South, draws upon its experience.
As for the main topics of discussion during the 15th Five-Year Plan, which will take place during the 2026 Two Sessions in China, legislative and political deliberations will focus on several key pillars, most importantly: how China can achieve technological independence and self-reliance. This will be accomplished by discussing mechanisms and plans for achieving “Chinese self-reliance” in critical technologies, such as advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. This will be achieved by studying and discussing ways to strengthen scientific and technological capabilities to achieve self-sufficiency in vital industries through advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, transforming the manufacturing sector towards smart technologies to enhance innovation. Emphasis will be placed on China’s firm commitment to the “Made in China policy,” aiming to propel China to the forefront of a range of high-tech industries, including aerospace, electric vehicles, robotics, and communications. The discussions will also explore ways to achieve common prosperity and well-being for the Chinese people by improving living standards and ensuring a more equitable distribution of the fruits of modernization.
The 2026 meetings of the Joint Conference will also focus on structural reforms, implementing over 300 reform measures to enhance the efficiency of the Chinese national economy within a complex international environment. This year’s meetings in China will also address the “green transition,” continuing to support clean technologies such as solar power and electric vehicles, and promoting renewable energy (solar and wind) to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030. Furthermore, they will discuss boosting domestic demand by exploring ways to encourage household consumption as a primary driver of growth, rather than relying excessively on foreign investment. The meetings will also address strengthening national security, exploring ways to bolster industrial supply chains, and ensuring water and food security for Chinese society, including the modernization of 700,000 kilometers of pipeline infrastructure. Finally, they will discuss achieving maritime development by utilizing marine resources and innovating in deep-sea technology as part of balanced regional growth.
From the preceding analysis, we understand that the two sessions of the Global Summit in China in March 2026 represent a strategic pivotal point for reshaping globalization and the developments of the Global South under China’s leadership. This will lead to a more inclusive and multipolar world, moving away from traditional economic dependence, thus strengthening China’s position as a leader and key driver of development in the Global South in the coming decade.
Dolly Parton uploaded an announcement video on her social media todayCredit: Instagram / dollychildrensShe revealed Dolly’s Children’s HospitalCredit: Instagram / dollychildrensLast fall, Dolly was embroiled in a health scareCredit: Getty
Looking incredible while sitting in a colorful room, Dolly delivered the news that East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is officially becomingDolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
In the video, she explained how she believes every child should grow up healthy and with a fair chance.
She then revealed the hospital’s name change before saying, “I can’t do it all myself,” and asking for people to get involved via her website.
Meanwhile, the caption of the video read: “A new chapter begins.
“East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is proud to share we are becoming Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
“Inspired by Dolly’s commitment to children, this transformation represents more than a name change, it’s a promise. A promise to bring hope, healing and world-class care to patients and families across our region.
“Together, we’re building a future where every child has the chance to grow, thrive and feel the comfort of compassionate care.
“The same dedicated team. The same trusted care. Now carrying a name that reflects the heart of our mission. Learn more at DollyChildrens.org.”
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Reacting to the announcement, one person penned, “Anyone else sob upon this news? Well deserved honor.”
“Our very own earth angel,” said a second.
“Bless you Dolly! A true angel on earth,” penned a third.
A fourth then demanded, “Dolly for president!”
“Ooooh Dolly, you truly are an angel! I have chills just reading this! Those kids will be wrapped in love,” said a fifth.
While a sixth penned, “The world needs more Dollys! She shouldn’t have to be one in a million.”
And an eighth added, “Dolly your are a great human being and do so much for the community and for the world.”
This comes after Dolly sparked health concerns last fall when she canceled several performances.
At the beginning of fall in 2025, the Tennessee native announced she was forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency after dealing with a number of “health challenges.”
Dolly’s shows were scheduled for six dates in early December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Tim McGraw subsequently took her place and the rescheduled shows have been set for September 2026.
In her message to fans, Dolly explained that she couldn’t perform due to doctor’s orders and had to undergo “a few procedures.”
She assured fans that she would be back on stage soon, writing, “And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.
“He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.
“I love you and thank you for understanding.”
The singer has been branded an ‘earth angel’ by fansCredit: Getty
Recent comments by United States and Israeli officials supporting the concept of a “Greater Israel” have raised alarm bells across the region and shed light on a vision once only rarely publicly spoken about.
An interview aired last week by the American right-wing podcaster Tucker Carlson with US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee started the current furore. Carlson, an influential figure who has been vocally critical of Israel over the past year, repeatedly asked Huckabee whether he supported Israel controlling all the land between the Nile River in Egypt and the Euphrates River in Iraq.
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Huckabee, a Christian Zionist, would not disavow the belief that the Bible promised that land to Israel – even though it now encompasses all or part of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria.
“It would be fine if they took it all,” Huckabee said, leading to anger from those countries and others in the region, many of which are close US allies.
Then, speaking on Monday, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said that he would support “anything that will allow the Jews a large, broad, strong land and a safe haven for us”.
“Zionism is based on the Bible. Our mandate over the land of Israel is biblical, [and] the biblical borders of the land of Israel are clear … Therefore, the borders are the borders of the Bible,” the apparently secular Israeli politician said.
So what is Greater Israel exactly? And is it really an ultimate goal for some Israeli politicians?
Defining Greater Israel
The most expansionist claim for a Greater Israel is based on a biblical verse (Genesis 15:18-21), which narrates God making a covenant with Abraham that promises his descendants the land between the Nile and the Euphrates.
That would include the Jewish people, with the tribes of Israel believed to be descended through Abraham’s son, Isaac. But it would also include the children of another of Abraham’s sons, Ishmael (Ismail), regarded as the forefather of the Arabs.
Other definitions based on different biblical verses are narrower in their territorial scope and specify that the land of Israel would be promised to the tribes of Israel descended from Isaac.
How has Israel worked to achieve expansion?
The current state of Israel emerged from the British Mandate for Palestine in 1948. The mandate, created by the League of Nations in the wake of World War I and the occupation of Palestine by the British, geographically limited Israel upon its creation.
The 1948 war that followed the end of the mandate led to Israel taking control of all of Mandatory Palestine, with the exception of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
But Israel soon expanded by force – in 1967 it defeated Arab forces and took control of the West Bank and Gaza, as well as Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and Syria’s occupied Golan Heights. Israel continues to occupy all of those regions, with the exception of the Sinai, which it returned to Egypt in 1982.
Since then, Israel has ignored international law and continued occupying Palestinian and Syrian land, and has shown little respect for its neighbours’ sovereignty, occupying more land in Syria, as well as in Lebanon.
How popular is the idea of Greater Israel?
This needs to be broken down into two separate concepts – the expansion of Israel into the territory that immediately borders it, and the most extreme definition of Greater Israel: between the Nile and the Euphrates.
In terms of expansion into its immediate surroundings, Israeli Jews by and large support the annexation of East Jerusalem, which is occupied Palestinian territory, and the Golan Heights.
The Israeli government continues to move towards the de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank. Israeli politicians vary in how open they are in their support for the formal annexation of the West Bank, but most mainstream Israeli politicians are supportive of the illegal Israeli settlements in the territory.
An expansion of Israeli settlements into Gaza is not as popular, but is supported by far-right Israeli parties.
A Greater Israel, including parts of Jordan, or the most irredentist definition between the Euphrates and the Nile, is more controversial. Pre-1948, many Zionists sought not just Palestine but also Jordan for their future state – one of the most important Zionist armed groups at the time, the Irgun, even included the map of both Palestine and Jordan in its emblem.
But after the foundation of Israel this took a back seat, and open calls for a vastly expanded Israel were largely restricted to the fringes. But those fringes – far-right figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir – are now in government, reflecting a wider radicalisation within Israeli society itself.
That means the Israeli ‘mainstream’, politicians such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and centrists like Lapid, are either more open in their support for some form of Greater Israel beyond the West Bank, or less willing to publicly oppose it.
How threatened do regional countries feel?
Regional states have said that the annexation of the West Bank would be a red line, but have been unable to reverse Israel’s occupation.
Hints at a wider expansion have led to an angry reaction from Arab countries. This goes further back than Huckabee’s recent comments. For example, Jordan condemned Smotrich – Israel’s finance minister – when he gave a speech in 2023 at a podium that displayed a map that showed Jordan as part of Israel.
And Huckabee’s support for Greater Israel was roundly condemned by more than a dozen states, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye.
For Arab and Muslim states, the anger at the comments partially emanates from the sense of a lack of respect towards the sovereignty of regional states by a US official. But it also highlights fears that the balance of power in the region is weighted towards an Israel that is increasingly willing to attack across the Middle East, and has little interest in peace.
Even if the takeover of the land between the Nile and the Euphrates is not feasible, a region where Israel is the primary hegemon will likely lead to more attacks, more wars, and, if Israel determines it necessary, more occupation of land.
A Palestinian mother from Gaza says she recognised her missing son, Mohammed Sharab, when he was shown shackled, blindfolded and listed as ‘for sale’ in a post shared by Israeli soldiers.
One of the most critically acclaimed science fiction dramas of the past decade is expanding with a new spin-off series on Apple TV
First-look at spin-off from ‘greatest sci-fi show ever’(Image: APPLE TV)
Apple TV has just released the exciting first-look at the cast of Star City, the first spin-off to the streamer’s hit sci-fi drama For All Mankind.
Widely considered one of the best sci-fi series in recent years, the original drama takes place in an alternative history in which the Soviet Union beat the USA to the Moon in 1969 and the space race never ended.
While subsequent outings have jumped forward in time up to the 2000s in season four, Star City will look to the past once more, exploring the pivotal events that led up to the first man on the Moon.
Featuring a stellar cast, including some exceptional British talent from the likes of House of the Dragon and Motherland, the upcoming offshoot is a must-watch for both sci-fi and history buffs.
The creative trio behind For All Mankind, Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi are back to helm the new eight-part series, so quality can be assured.
A synopsis for the upcoming series calls Star City “a propulsive paranoid thriller that takes us back to the key moment in the alt-history retelling of the space race – when the Soviet Union became the first nation to put a man on the moon.
“But this time, we explore the story from behind the Iron Curtain, showing the lives of the cosmonauts, the engineers, and the intelligence officers embedded among them in the Soviet space program, and the risks they all took to propel humankind forward.”
House of the Dragon’s Rhys Ifans leads the exceptional cast, which also includes Motherland’s Anna Maxwell Martin, Agnes O’Casey (Black Doves) and Alice Englert (Bad Behaviour).
Rounding out the supporting cast is another House of the Dragon star, Solly McLeod, along with Adam Nagaitis (Chernobyl), Ruby Ashbourne Serkis (I, Jack Wright), Josef Davies (Andor) and Priya Kansara (Bridgerton).
Apple has just released the first look at the cast today (Thursday, 26th February), and it’s shaping up to be another visually stunning and compulsive drama that streamers have come to expect from the platform.
The spin-off certainly has big shoes to fill, as audiences have continued to rave about For All Mankind since its first season premiere back in 2019.
An article on Wired has called it the “one of the greatest science fiction shows of the modern TV era”, adding: “The Apple TV+ alternate history series is simply more ambitious and thought-provoking than its contemporaries.”
Comic Book Resources called it the “Best Alternate History Show Ever Made” in their rave write-up.
And IMDb users have also given For All Mankind stunning reviews, with one writing: “I’m now binging all 3 seasons and can’t stop. If you’re a sci-fi fan and have been putting it off like me…stop! Go watch this as soon as possible because I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
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“For All Mankind is one of my favorite sci-fi shows that I’ve ever seen and that’s not hyperbole. I really can’t get over how much I loved this show,” someone else agreed.
While a final fan made a bold claim: “Best damn show currently airing.
“Season one was good, it was a good setup. But then from season two onwards, show exploded in quality. I just want more. We all need more of this. Everyone needs to watch this!”
Apple subscribers, make sure For All Mankind is at the very top of your watchlist if it’s not already on your radar before the new spin-off starts in just a few months’ time.
Star City premieres Friday, 29th May on Apple TV.
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Borge Brende has resigned from his roles as the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), following revelations of his links with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who became president of the WEF in 2017, announced his departure on Thursday, joining the ranks of prominent figures to have left their jobs or faced criminal investigations after their contacts with Epstein were revealed in files released by the US Department of Justice last month.
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“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, spanning 8-1/2 years, has been profoundly rewarding,” Brende said in a statement, which made no mention of Epstein.
“I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions.”
Brende’s departure came several weeks after the WEF, organiser of the annual Davos summit, launched an independent investigation into his relationship with Epstein, following revelations in the files that the Norwegian had three business dinners with the financier and had also communicated with him via email and text message.
Epstein was convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008, spending about a year in prison before his release.
His contacts with a network of wealthy and influential figures continued in the wake of his conviction until an investigation into the wealthy financier was reopened in 2019. Epstein died by suicide in prison that year while facing charges of sex trafficking underage girls.
Dinners, emails
Brende said in a statement earlier this month that during a visit to New York in 2018, he received an invitation from former Norwegian politician Terje Rod-Larsen to join him for dinner with several other leaders, plus “someone who was presented to me as an American investor, Jeffrey Epstein”.
“The following year, I attended two similar dinners with Epstein, alongside other diplomats and business leaders. These dinners, and a few emails and SMS messages, were the extent of my interactions with him,” he said.
“I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities.”
He said that had he known about Epstein’s background, he would have declined any contact with the convicted sex offender, adding that he regretted not having conducted a more thorough investigation into his past.
Investigation concluded
In a separate statement, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs of the WEF, said the independent review conducted by outside counsel into Brende’s ties with Epstein had concluded.
The findings stated there were no additional concerns beyond what had been previously disclosed, it added.
The co-chairs said the WEF’s Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and CEO, and that the forum’s board of trustees would oversee the leadership transition, including a plan to identify a permanent replacement.
Arrests and resignations
Epstein had ties to a long list of business and political leaders, whose links to the disgraced figure have now come under close scrutiny, resulting in arrests and resignations.
In Norway, Thorbjorn Jagland, former prime minister and former secretary-general of the Council of Europe, has been charged with “aggravated corruption” amid an investigation into his connections to Epstein, while Rod-Larsen and his wife Mona Juul, both diplomats, have also been charged.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the wife of Crown Prince Haakon, heir to Norway’s throne, has also come under heavy scrutiny following the revelation of her close friendship with Epstein, issuing a public apology for her long association with him.
In the UK, prominent figures including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – formerly Prince Andrew – and Peter Mandelson, the former diplomat, minister, and adviser to multiple Labour Party prime ministers, have been arrested over alleged crimes linked to their relationships with Epstein.
In France, financial crimes prosecutors have opened an investigation into former Culture Minister Jack Lang, while in Slovakia, Miroslav Lajcak, former president of the UN General Assembly, resigned as security adviser to the country’s prime minister amid growing criticism over his correspondence with Epstein, uncovered in the files.
Aiden Markram smacked 82 not out off 46 balls as South Africa beat West Indies by nine wickets to maintain their unbeaten record at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
South Africa’s captain struck seven fours and four sixes as South Africa chased 177 with 23 balls to spare to move two points clear at the top of Group 1 in the Super 8s and put one foot in the semi-finals.
The 31-year-old, who brought up his half-century off 27 balls, shared a 95-run opening stand with Quinton de Kock (47 off 24) before the wicketkeeper was removed by Roston Chase in the eighth over. Ryan Rickelton chipped in with a quickfire 45 not out off 28 at number three.
Markram sealed South Africa’s fifth win of the tournament in Ahmedabad with his 11th boundary.
The victory puts the Proteas on the verge of the semi-finals without making them mathematically sure. They will go through if India beat Zimbabwe in Thursday’s other game. West Indies play India in their final match of the group knowing a defeat will likely eliminate them.
South Africa, finalists in 2024, should have been chasing a significantly lower total after taking four wickets in the powerplay and later reducing West Indies to 83-7.
However, the two-time champions fought back through Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder, who put on 89 (57) for the eighth wicket to drag West Indies beyond 170.
After smacking spinner Keshav Maharaj’s opening over for 17, West Indies, who piled on 254-6 against Zimbabwe in their Super 8 opener on Monday, lost four wickets in 11 balls to slump from 29-0 to 43-4 inside four overs, with Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi collecting two wickets apiece.
Sherfane Rutherford, who couldn’t capitalise on being dropped on three, Rovman Powell, and Matthew Forde joined the procession back to the dressing room before Shepherd and Holder came together in the 11th over.
After rebuilding steadily, the pair burst into life from the 15-over mark, Shepherd accelerating from 21 (17) to finish unbeaten on 52 (37) and Holder reaching 49 (31) before being run-out off the penultimate ball of the innings.
They added 58 runs off the final five overs, including Holder taking the 18th, bowled by Marco Jansen, for 23.
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Across five novels and three story collections, Lauren Groff has merged wide-screen history with intimate stories about women seeking and confronting power, including in her latest spirited — and triumphant — release “Brawler.” Along the way, Groff has become the rare literary-fiction author who’s a mainstay on the bestseller lists, and a three-time National Book Award finalist as well. On Tuesday, she’ll discuss her work at a Vroman’s Bookstore event at Pasadena Presbyterian Church with Danzy Senna, acclaimed author of “Colored Television” and other novels.
If you’re new to her work, here is where to start with Groff’s sprawling canon, which spans from steamy Florida swamps to medieval abbeys with a gift for the unexpected.
“The Monsters of Templeton: A Novel” by Lauren Groff
(Grand Central Publishing)
“The Monsters of Templeton” (2008): Groff’s debut novel pays tribute to her hometown of Cooperstown, N.Y., featuring baseball lore, a strange aquatic creature and a young woman investigating her family history. It’s overstuffed but establishes some of her key themes: broken families, mythology and everyday misogyny.
“Delicate Edible Birds and Other Stories” by Lauren Groff
(Grand Central Publishing)
“Delicate Edible Birds” (2009): Groff’s first story collection includes “L. DeBard and Aliette,” an off-kilter love story set during the 1918 flu pandemic that caught the attention of her longtime agent, Bill Clegg. Groff’s skill at historical detail is on fine display here, shifting from the World Wars to the present day, with particular sensitivity to the ways characters evolve over decades.
“Arcadia: A Novel” by Lauren Groff
(Grand Central Publishing)
“Arcadia” (2012): Groff’s breakthrough novel features a lead character, Bit, facing two forms of pressure: First, a New York ’60s hippies commune that slowly fails to live up to its values, then a near-future America ravaged by climate change. Deftly written, funny and spiky, it showcases Groff’s ability to conjure storms both internal and external.
“Fates and Furies: A Novel” by Lauren Groff
(Riverhead)
“Fates and Furies” (2015): Groff’s masterpiece upends the familiar domestic novel, studying the fracturing marriage between Lotto, a successful playwright, and Mathilde, his seemingly devoted spouse. Through some inventive structures and a playful rewiring of romantic tropes going back to Homer, Groff stitches together a portrait of a marriage that she then carefully unravels. As one character puts it: “Marriage is made of lies. Kind ones, mostly.”
“Florida” by Lauren Groff
(Riverhead)
“Florida” (2018): Set in Groff’s adopted home — she owns a bookstore called The Lynx Books in Gainesville, Fla. — her second story collection is concerned with troubling ferality. Here, snakes hiss, as do catcalling men, girls are abandoned, hurricanes blow through. Myth and metaphor still abound, but they’re more rooted in the everyday reality of a troubled parcel of the country.
“Matrix” by Lauren Groff
(Riverhead)
“Matrix” (2021): The first of a planned trilogy of historical novels, “Matrix” is set in an English abbey in the 12th and 13th centuries. Marie, who becomes the prioress of the abbey at 17, begins a rise to power — or as much power as a woman is permitted — using her fellow nuns to fight off political and violent incursions. The theme and premise owe much to Margaret Atwood, but Groff’s gift for the long view is wholly her own.
“The Vaster Wilds,” by Lauren Groff
(Riverhead)
“The Vaster Wilds” (2023): The New World of the 17th century, in all its beauty and violence, is the setting for her latest novel, a potent study of a young woman who escapes the safety of her British settlement and sets forth on a solo trek toward Canada. Dangers are ever-present, but the novel is a study in unsentimental indomitability, as the hero reckons with the elements and her past on her way to a heartbreaking coda.
A Supreme Court setback on tariffs challenges Trump’s protectionist trade strategy.
Tariffs: The most beautiful word in the dictionary, as Donald Trump says, or unlawful? The Supreme Court has ruled that the president cannot use emergency powers to impose them. It’s a significant check on his power and a major setback to his second-term agenda. But despite the ruling, Trump has already found new ways to keep his trade barriers in place. Tariffs remain central to his economic policy, both to boost US manufacturing and generate revenue. The court may have disarmed one of Trump’s trade weapons, but the turn towards protectionism is far from over.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Newly teamed-up Northrop Grumman and Embraer are hoping that a boom refueling system-equipped version of the latter’s KC-390 Millennium twin jet engine tanker-transport will catch the eye of the U.S. Air Force. The two companies say the KC-390’s size and other attributes make it ideally suited to kinds of ‘agile’ distributed operations the Air Force sees as essential for success in future conflict, especially one in the Pacific against China. This is exactly the case TWZ laid out in detail when the concept for a version of this aircraft fitted with a boom first emerged four years ago.
TWZ‘s Jamie Hunter spoke with representatives from Northrop Grumman and Embraer about current plans for the boom-equipped KC-390 on the show floor at the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) annual Warfare Symposium. The two firms first announced their new partnership on this aircraft last week. Embraer had originally unveiled this version of the KC-390 together with L3Harris, but the latter was no longer involved in the project, at least at a high level, by October 2024.
A KC-390 seen at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Melbourne, Florida, last week for an event. Northrop Grumman
“We are excited to announce the partnership to get started on the development of this capability, because we believe it’s a significant advantage to our U.S. Air Force, as well as our international allies,” Craig Woolston, Vice President and General Manager of Research and Advanced Design within Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems sector, said at the Warfare Symposium. “Partnering our advanced manufacturing and experience in the past in this domain with a proven design, modern capability, we think is a differentiator in this mobility space.”
“With the KC-390, the boom is adding a capability to the refueling capability that is already there with the probe-and-drogue system,” Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer for Defense and Security International Business at Embraer, also said. “So, adding that capability, and the target is to maintain the multi-mission capability, to bring the KC-390 even more … Agile Combat Employment type of capability, [and be] able to perform all of these missions in a distributed, dispersed operation type of employment.”
Lemos also said his company is committed to investing in a U.S. production facility for the KC-390, but said those plans, including the choice of location, are still to be finalized. Melbourne, Florida, has been raised as one possibility. Embraer and Northrop Grumman both have facilities already, and they held an event there last week to unveil their partnership.
Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is the term the U.S. Air Force currently uses to describe a set of concepts for distributed and disaggregated operations. ACE is focused heavily on short notice and otherwise irregular deployments, often to remote, austere, or otherwise non-traditional locales. We will come back to this later on.
Visualizing ACE
Development of the Millennium dates back to the early 2000s, originally just as a medium-sized jet-powered transport aircraft called the C-390 capable of operating from short and improvised runways. The ability to refuel receivers via the probe-and-drogue method was subsequently added to the design, resulting in its current “KC” designation. The aircraft can itself be refueled using this method via a probe that extends out from the front end of the fuselage above the cockpit. The KC-390 is loosely comparable in size and other respects to the turboprop-powered C-130 Hercules.
Further KC-390 versions configured for maritime patrol, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions are also now in development. Millennium variants are in service today in Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, with a number of other countries set to begin operating the aircraft in the coming years.
Embraer | C-390 Millennium: Innovation, Performance and Reliability
The U.S. Air Force’s preferred aerial refueling method is the boom, and it is used by the vast majority of its aircraft. L3Harris had previously talked about several options for integrating a boom onto the KC-390, including ones involving remote operation, broadly akin to what is found on the KC-46, or more direct operator control, as is the case on the KC-135. On KC-390s currently configured for probe-and-drogue refueling, an operator manages those systems from a station in the cockpit.
“We’re starting that development. We’re exploring the trade space of what is the best solution,” Northrop Grumman’s Woolston said when asked for more details about the boom integration plan. “I’ll say those decisions haven’t been made. Like I said, it’s a trade space to explore.”
Woolston did highlight a particular focus on “autonomous boom” capabilities to help “rapidly integrate with whatever aircraft or system we’re refueling,” but didn’t elaborate further. This may refer to more automated boom capabilities, which Boeing and Airbus have also developed, which can help speed up the refueling process, increase safety margins, and reduce operator strain. The future development and fielding of new aerial refueling-capable air combat drones will also benefit from, if not require, these kinds of capabilities.
Boeing KC-46A Tanker Refuels Military Aircraft Using 3D
Airbus achieves world’s first fully automatic refuelling contacts
“You know the [KC-]390 is a full fly-by-wire airplane, low-workload for the crew,” Embraer’s Lemos noted. “We already have a third position in the cockpit that is there, has access to all the information that comes in and out of the airplane. Helps today with their refueling missions, monitoring the cameras … , good situational awareness of what’s happening.”
Overall, the boom integration depends “on what multi-mission capabilities we want to retain on the KC-390,” according to Woolston.
“We already have additional tanks on the [KC-]390. They are roll-on, roll-out. They are the same size as a pallet, standard 463 pallet,” Lemos added. “So you can combine additional tanks with cargo and with passengers. That’s a big advantage in terms of flexibility, in terms of employment. And you can use the fuel of [sic] those tanks to fly further or to offload the fuel for a receiver. So the moment you connect those tanks to the airplane, it’s an integral fuel system, you can use that fuel the best way you see fit.”
Lemos also stressed that retaining the KC-390’s existing capabilities in the boom-equipped version means the aircraft will still be able to operate from short and/or unimproved runways.
All of this underscores how a version of the KC-390 with a boom could fit into an ACE scenario just like TWZ previously explored in-depth. As we wrote back in 2022:
“Overall, a KC-390 would provide a significantly smaller footprint than that of a traditional boom-equipped tanker, allowing it to work out of tighter airfields. L3Harris says that the boom-equipped KC-390 itself will still be capable of receiving fuel in flight. However, the model at the Air & Space Force Association Conference shows that it will have a boom receptacle above the cockpit instead the standard type’s refueling probe. Paired with its own refueling boom and the ability to carry out ground refueling operations for other aircraft, the KC-390 will be able to provide ACE deployments with a critical fuel lifeline, not just in the air, but also on the ground, and do so at significantly extended ranges.”
“With its own aerial refueling capability, an Air Force KC-390 could fly out to refuel from a larger tanker, such as a KC-46, and then return that fuel to austere airfields to be used by combat aircraft. Currently, only the service’s special operations-configured M/HC-130s can do that and they do not have a boom of their own so they cannot also provide fuel to Air Force receptacle-equipped aircraft, which accounts for nearly all of the force’s fleet. Basically, the KC-390 could allow for true ‘hub and spoke’ tanker operations, including from austere areas, during a major conflict. This could be especially attractive for refueling tactical aircraft, like fighters and eventually drones, from forward locales. Once again, currently, the Air Force doesn’t have a solution for this problem, which could make the KC-390 very attractive.”
“There are also the multi-role capabilities this aircraft provides, being able to move cargo and personnel to far-flung locations at jet speeds. Once again, this would support a hub-and-spoke concept of operations across a vast theater like the Pacific.”
…
“As noted earlier, the ACE concept will become especially prevalent as the United States continues to keep a pulse on China and any corresponding developments in the Pacific. Considering the sheer size of the region, maintaining the flexibility to disperse aircraft and other assets in less condensed groups will not only ensure widespread U.S. presence, but also prevent adversaries like China from targeting and taking out large amounts of aircraft and other capabilities by attacking just a handful of installations. It also greatly complicates the enemy’s own defensive strategy.”
Another rendering of a boom-equipped KC-390. Embraer
As an additional point, in the scenarios described above, KC-390s could refuel fighters right after takeoff from austere airstrips. Those tactical jets could, in turn, launch with lower gross weights to help get safely airborne from shorter runways. Part of the initial fuel load could also be traded for more munitions while retaining sufficiently low weight. Topping off after takeoff, as well as being able to refuel closer to a forward operating location on the way back from a mission, would give those fighters greater overall operational reach.
The KC-390’s capabilities could be further expanded by the use of podded and/or roll-on/roll-off communications, electronic warfare, and other capabilities. The U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (AMC) is already heavily investing in new networking and self-protection systems that can be added to tankers and airlifters, as necessary.
Beyond supporting the ACE construct, KC-390s could just help provide the Air Force with valuable added tanker capacity in general, including to help meet day-to-day training and other non-combat requirements. AMC has previously raised the possibility of acquiring a business jet-based tanker, which could also act as a similar gap-filler. U.S. military officials have been sounding the alarm for years now about the strain on existing tanker fleets and raising concerns about their capacity to meet even existing demands, let alone what would be required for a major sustained conflict.
A KC-135, at right, prepares to link up with a KC-46, at left, during a test. USAF
For some time now, the Air Force has been working to refine requirements for what it is currently calling the Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS). The NGAS plan could include new stealth tankers, as well as other types of aircraft and new capabilities for existing types. The service has said in the past that it hopes to see elements of NGAS begin to enter operational service by 2040, if not much sooner.
One concept for a stealth tanker that Lockheed Martin’s famed Skunk Works advanced projects division has presented in recent years. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
“I cannot have a 90-year-old tanker refueling a B-21 [Raider stealth bomber],” Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, head of AMC, separately told TWZ and other outlets at a roundtable yesterday on the sidelines of the AFA Warfare Symposium. “If you do math, as we reach end of programs for things, that’s reality, right? I cannot have that. I must recap[italize] the tanker force.”
“There is also an element of that, that is the NGAS portion of it, which is a more specific problem set within the theater to be able to ensure that we deliver lethality, effectively and survivably,” she continued, noting that the Air Force is also looking to acquire additional KC-46s.
“They’ve put some money in to maintain that NGAS AOA [analysis of alternatives], and they’re working through [it] right now,” Sonkiss added. “I don’t think they’ve solidified the final pathway to NGAS, and I really don’t want to comment on the half work on that space.”
An analysis of alternatives is a process that the U.S. military uses to assess available options and further refine requirements for further weapon systems and other capabilities.
Another Skunk Works stealth tanker concept. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
“Of course, we’re open to a family [of] systems,” Lt. Gen. Sonkiss also said. “It has to fit in with the greater Air Force scheme maneuver of what do those platforms need? And then we make the NGAS platform get after that portion.”
“How far do they need to get into the threat ring?” she added, noting that there could be various avenues to providing more protection for aircraft operating in more contested environments. “And that’s what that NGAS piece is going to work through.”
It should be made clear here that there is no expectation that a boom-equipped KC-390 would be a single ‘silver bullet’ solution to the NGAS question. Aviation Week reported last week that Northrop Grumman is presenting it as just one part of a three-tiered proposal for NGAS that also includes a larger blended wing body design and a smaller tanker drone. Northrop Grumman has so far declined to confirm or deny that it is making this multi-part pitch. The company is already partnered with JetZero on a project to build a blended wing body demonstrator for the Air Force that could be configured as a tanker and/or a cargo aircraft, which you can read more about here.
A rendering of JetZero’s blended wing body design configured as an aerial refueling tanker. JetZero
“The reaction we’ve gotten here at AFA has been very positive,” Northrop Grumman’s Woolston told us when asked about current Air Force interest in the boom-equipped KC-390, specifically.
“We are now starting to have that dialog,” he also said when asked about whether there had been any formal meetings with representatives from AMC or other Air Force officials.
“I haven’t really looked at that,” Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink had told TWZ and other outlets in response to a direct question about whether the KC-390 might have a future in his service’s tanker plans at another roundtable yesterday at the AFA Warfare Symposium.
A boom-equipped KC-390 could also be of interest to non-U.S. air arms that operate aircraft with the ability to refuel via this method. Aircraft built, at least in part, in the United States by an American firm could also open doors to acquiring them through a U.S. government foreign assistance mechanism.
Overall, it remains to be seen how the new partnership between Northrop Grumman and Embraer proceeds now, as well as how the Air Force’s vision for NGAS evolves. Still, as TWZ explored in detail four years ago, a new ‘agile tanker’ like boom-equipped KC-390 would seem to slot right into the operational scenarios the Air Force is now planning around, especially when it comes to a future conflict in the Pacific.
LEIGH-ANNE Pinnock has opened up on her marriage again to reveal she and her husband are “stronger” than ever after his betrayal.
The former Little Mix singer candidly confessed earlier this year that she and footballer hubby Andre Gray experience a rocky patch in their marriage in which she admitted they had to work together to “overcome betrayal”.
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Leigh-Anne Pinnock has opened up on her marriage againCredit: InstagramThe star reveals she and Andre are ‘stronger’ than ever following his betrayalCredit: GettyLeigh-Anne has confessed all on her marriageCredit: Getty
The popstar, who has just released her debut solo album My Ego Told Me To, revealed she needed to learn to trust her husband again following the undefined betrayal.
Now, in a new interview, she had discussed her personal life once more in order to give a fresh update on her family unit.
Confirming that Andre sought out therapy following the betrayal, Leigh-Anne told People magazine: “The main thing for me was him just changing, really.
“Even just him being alone, he did so much self-reflection on that. That was a massive thing for us. I think he just did the work.”
The singer continued: “It really does mean a lot when you can go through something, come out the other end, and just you automatically become stronger for it.
“Now, obviously, we’ve been through our stuff.
“We’re married, we have kids, and we can just have a soft life.”
Previously, Leigh-Anne has been open about the fact she and Andre have always had a long-distance relationship due to his career seeing him play football across the world with the star having only recently relocated back to England to play for a UK team.
The pair, who share two twin daughters together, have admitted this distance has helped to keep their marriage going.
In the interview, Leigh-Anne said: “A big thing for us is distance. As s*** as it is, it’s been three years of long distance.
“It’s actually, I think, helped to keep the flame alight as well, you know?
“You can’t wait to see them. It’s actually really healthy to miss someone, I think.”
Ahmed Abu Naji is one of millions of Palestinians in Gaza who are clinging onto the traditions of Ramadan, despite the destruction from Israel’s war. Many are breaking their fast amid the rubble of their homes – and some have their iftar meals in graveyards as they mourn loved ones.
Japan is one of those spots on the map of the planet Earth where infrastructure and digital innovation are closely connected.
The country considers technology as an instrument of national competitiveness. For the last few years, this approach has extended, bringing revolution to Japan digital infrastructure, and exceeding expectations not only of citizens but also of international travellers.
5G Expansion and Digital Urban Infrastructure
5G Japan tourism connectivity has accelerated, reflecting broader structural changes in the Japan telecom market. The nationwide 5G coverage of the major carriers has rapidly expanded.
Not so long time ago 5G in Japan was closely connected with industrial policy goals, special highlights among which are automation, smart manufacturing, and AI deployment. As for the sphere of tourism, the impact is no less significant.
Concerning major urban centers such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, high-speed connectivity for them became a significant part of the smart traffic systems, services for real-time navigation tracking and a platform for digital payment. As a result, foreign visitors get into an environment where stable data access is guaranteed.
Japan’s digital infrastructure is reliable, fast, and efficient. These qualities maintain the broad economic model of the country. However, this situation brings high expectations from visitors who are upset with limited data packages because they create a big contrast to the high-tech urban ecosystem.
Smart Tourism and Data Consumption Trends
Digital tourism Japan can be smooth and easy with AI-driven translation services, booking services, and transportation networks.
As a result, in your Japan data usage, you can easily carry out your daily tasks such as streaming, making video conferences, and having cloud-based document access. Even if you’re a short-term visitor, you will need a lot of data and a stable connection for simultaneous operation of your devices.
Such providers as Mobal have become part of the broader ecosystem within this environment. It guarantees international mobility for the maximum comfort of users. Japan supports the strategy of revitalizing inbound tourism, which is linked to regional economic development, especially when talking about areas outside Tokyo. High-speed connectivity is vitally needed.
Remote Work, International Mobility and Data Demands
The latest trend towards Japan is not only the attraction of tourists, but also the creation of comfortable conditions for those who choose remote work Asia opportunities. A lot of people nowadays are choosing hybrid or fully remote jobs, so they can do their daily work and travel at the same time. As a result, these people need good connections not only for their travel needs, but also for joining conferences, working with large files and secure company systems. Public Wi-Fi is not enough, and the need for fast, reliable, and high-speed internet only increases.
In this context, as demand grows, many international visitors search for Japan eSIM unlimited data solutions that match their usage patterns. One example is available at Mobal Japan eSIM unlimited data, which provides an unlimited eSIM designed specifically for short-term stays, typically ranging from 3 to about 31 days, with unrestricted data usage suited to tourists and business travelers.
eSIM technology supports Japan’s tendency for digital transformation. eSIMs are the easiest way for travelers to stay connected, which can be arranged beforehand.
Policy, Regulation and Mobile Accessibility for Foreign Visitors
Japan’s telecom system is a perfect balance of competition and strict oversight. The market is tightly controlled by the rules around SIM registration, protection of consumers, and network licensing. As a result, foreign visitors may face a problem while getting a local SIM card.
At the same time, it’s clear that easy mobile access is needed for the positive experience of Japan for both business and travel spheres. Mobal provides a stable connection within the regulated system. All the services are perfectly adapted to correspond to legal requirements and the needs of travellers. The focus is not on promotion but on smooth service and security compliance.
Japan expands 5G networks, developing smart city technologies. As a result, regulations are constantly changing, covering such aspects as cybersecurity and digital identity. Such updates are needed for easily foreign visitors access and reliable mobile networks.
The Future of Digital Access in Japan
To sum up all of the said above, the focus of Japan’s digital strategy is on the deep use of AI technology and faster network standards. Any city needs data and smart systems. Mobile internet became a need because it provides people with an opportunity to access transport, arrange shopping, and carry out their daily tasks.
Most of the international visitors Japan data usage visitors have expectations, quite similar to the expectations of local residents. Fast data is a must. The demand for Japan eSIM unlimited data plans is constantly growing, and it’s not about trends, but about the fact that travel and digital infrastructure have become closely connected. Companies which provide data for travelers work between regulation, technology, and global travel. Their role can’t be underestimated because connectivity is needed for the support of tourism, business, and the workforce. For Japan as a country, known for technological leadership in smart cities Japan, the accessibility of reliable digital systems for all categories of visitors is highly important to support its reputation.
Talking about the latest trends, the line between physical and digital infrastructure will slowly disappear due to the expansion of 5G networks. The main challenge at the current stage of development is to make sure that networks match changing travel patterns. As a result, seamless mobile access for short-term visitors is not a temporary trend, but the best reflection of long-term changes in the digital economy of Japan.
A Killer Makes A Call is a Channel 5 documentary that plunges viewers into the real life drama and urgency when a call is made to 999. But there’s a twist, as things are not as they first appear.
With each episode centered around a different case, the series so far has seen three instalments released, each with its own harrowing investigation at its heart. As Channel 5 teases: “The call comes through. Murder. But maybe the caller isn’t as innocent as they seem…”
The true crime documentary series instead focusing on instances where the perpetrator has made a call to the emergency services, often posing as a distressed witness or victim to avoid suspicion.
Branded as a perfect watch for fans of true crime, the harrowing series plunges viewers into each chilling investigation, examining why killers make a call to 999 and how they use that to create false narratives until detectives uncover the truth.
True crime fans will be pleased to know that A Killer Makes A Call returns to Channel 5 this evening with yet another disturbing case. It will air at 10pm on the channel.
The repeat episode, from series two, explores the moment a devastated family deal with their son’s fatal overdose. Carrying out their own investigation into what happened, the family soon find some surprising evidence.
Channel 5 teases: “When a family refuse to accept their son Jack died of an overdose, they undertake their own investigation, and identify a man with Jack the night that he died. Dots are joined, connecting four murders.”
With expert testimonies as well as heartbreaking family statements, viewers will witness how investigations were carried out as well as the reasonings behind the crimes.
First airing on Channel 5 back in 2024, the documentary series has become a popular choice amongst true crime fans with with many branded previous episodes as ‘sickening’.
Taking to social media, one person previously said: “Just watched this episode of #AKillerMakesACall on @channel5_tv. The verdict was quite sickening.” Another added: “Turned my stomach #akillermakesacall.” A third praised: “Great TV.”
The docuseries has also been branded as “wild” as another said it was “definitely one to watch.” Over on TikTok, one viewer said: “It’s definitely worth a binge watch if you like a true crime”, as another commented they had “binged” the episodes in one sitting.
A Killer Makes a Call airs tonight at 10pm on Channel 5. Episodes are also available to stream on 5 online.
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Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton are set to testify in front of a congressional committee investigating the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Alan Fisher looks at what to expect.
Arrest in town near the Ethiopian border follows Kenyan intelligence report revealing more than 1,000 citizens were trafficked for war.
Published On 26 Feb 202626 Feb 2026
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Police in Kenya have arrested a man accused of being a member of a human trafficking scheme that lured Kenyans to Russia with false promises of work, only for them to end up fighting on the front lines of Ukrainian battlefields.
In a statement released late on Wednesday, Kenyan officials said Festus Arasa Omwamba was being detained in Moyale, a town in the country’s north bordering Ethiopia.
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The 33-year-old “is believed to be a key player in a more extensive human trafficking syndicate that exploits vulnerable individuals by promising them legitimate employment opportunities in European countries”, read a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on X. “However, upon arrival, these unsuspecting victims find themselves trapped in illegal and perilous jobs, stripping them of their dignity and safety.”
The suspect was in police custody, undergoing preparation for his “impending” court appearance, it added.
Quoting police spokesperson Michael Muchiri, NTV Kenya reported that Omwamba was arrested after arriving from Russia. He was detained for allegedly recruiting Kenyans into the Russian military, Muchiri said.
The arrest comes after Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) last week unveiled a report which said more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited “to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war”, with 89 currently on the front line, 39 hospitalised, and 28 missing in action.
A day after the NIS released its report, dozens of families protested in Nairobi, demanding the government take action against the network of officials and syndicates tricking locals into joining the war. Many are still awaiting news about their loved ones’ whereabouts and when they might return.
Meanwhile, other families are grieving the deaths of their sons and brothers.
The Russian embassy in Nairobi denies the allegations, calling them in a statement last week “misleading propaganda”. It added that it never issued visas to Kenyan citizens who sought to travel to Russia with the aim to fight in Ukraine. However, the embassy added that Moscow does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in its armed forces.
Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said he would travel to Russia in March to engage directly with the authorities and secure a safe return of Kenyans believed to be stranded there.
Fraudulent ‘schemes’ to lure foreign fighters
Reports of African men being fraudulently recruited and wilfully duped for work abroad to end up on the front lines in Ukraine have also surfaced from South Africa, Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa.
Ukraine on Wednesday accused Russia of using deception to recruit more than 1,700 Africans to join its war effort as the conflict drags into a fifth year.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the allegation during a news conference in Kyiv with his visiting Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He accused Moscow of using fraudulent “schemes” to lure the foreign fighters.
A day earlier, South Africa’s presidency announced it had secured the return home of 11 of its nationals who were “lured” into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The presidency had already repatriated four others.
Elsewhere, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) returned with his wife Kate (Simone Ashley) to give Benedict some stern words of advice, while their mother Violet (Ruth Gemmell) was having relationship issues of her own. Here are just a few of the major revelations in the latter half of the season.
Cressida Cowper returned
Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) was unveiled as the new Lady Penwood following her emotional exit in season three. After surprising Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan), she revealed Lord Penwood was an old friend of her aunt Joanna’s, and had taken a liking to her when he was visiting the family in Wales.
Cressida had formed friendships with both Penelope and Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) for her own gain and had even threatened to unveil Penelope as Lady Whistledown if she did not help her restore her reputation.
Cressida had been forced to leave society after her father took away her dowry, and she did not have enough money to attract a suitor.
She and Joanna moved to the countryside in the hope she would be able to find someone outside of the ton. Thankfully, things seemed to work in her favour and she even reconciled with Eloise.
Penelope gave up Lady Whistledown
After realising she was holding too much power as Lady Whistledown and felt like she was destroying people’s lives, Penelope asked Queen Charlotte’s (Golda Rosheuvel) permission to give up her column.
At first, the Queen refused, saying she enjoyed the gossip too much to see Lady Whistledown buried once and for all.
However, the Queen had a change of heart towards the end of the season, realising she needed to let society live their lives, and allowed Penelope to step down.
Penelope unveiled Lady Whistledown’s final pamphlet at the Queen’s ball, but it transpired it was not the end of the gossiper after all.
As the season concluded, someone else had decided to step up to the plate, although their identity is yet to be revealed.
The Queen set Lady Danbury free
After denying Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) the right to leave society and visit her homeland, the friends were both left in an unhappy place.
However, the Queen eventually learned she could not trap her friend for the sake of her own contentment, and with a nudge from those closest to her, she agreed Lady Danbury could leave.
While Lady Danbury stressed she would not be gone forever, there were a lot of emotional goodbyes as she had forged some priceless friendships over the years.
Fans will have to wait and see whether she appears in season five.
John Stirling died
For those who have read author Julia Quinn’s novels, they will know the ultimate fate of Francesca Bridgerton’s (Hannah Dodd) husband was drawing closer.
After spending some leisure time with his wife and his cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza), John said he wished to have a nap as he had a headache.
He had asked Francesca to wake him, but when Francesca went to stir her husband, he did not respond and she quickly realised he had died in his sleep.
A funeral was held, followed by a celebration of his life at their family home.
While the series does not say how John died, Quinn explains in the books he had a brain aneurysm.
Sophie discovered the truth about her inheritance
Some major revelations came about for Benedict and Sophie after the second Bridgerton son finally realised the maid he had fallen in love with was in fact the Lady in Silver all along.
He made the connection after finding Sophie’s mother’s necklace, which she had lost, and realised the mysterious woman from the ball had been wearing the same piece of jewellery.
Believing Araminta had been lying to Sophie about her inheritance, Benedict urged her to locate her father’s will so she could find out whether Lady Gun was telling the truth.
After locating the will, Sophie learned her father had left equal portions of the dowry to Sophie and Araminta’s two daughters. She was also able to use this to confirm she came from nobility and could therefore marry Benedict without being shunned.
At the Queen’s ball, Benedict and his mother Violet forced Araminta to come to an arrangement with Sophie, so neither of them would need to go to prison.
Araminta’s allegations were dropped and in return, the Bridgerton’s did not reveal she had lied and stolen Sophie’s inheritance.
A post-credit scene saw Sophie and Benedict finally tie the knot after he proposed to her at the Queen’s ball.
Bridgerton season 4 is on Netflix
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London, United Kingdom – “People here are tired, scared and feel forgotten,” says Nabila*, a Muslim mother of two in Basildon, a town in the English county of Essex.
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Sitting in her living room with a mug of tea, a Qur’an visible on the bookshelf and Japanese prints hanging to its right, she recalls a string of incidents in recent months: Glass thrown from a residential building at Muslim children, a racist attack on the local mosque where red crosses were daubed across its walls alongside the words “Christ is King” and “This is England”, and reports of drivers accelerating as Muslim women cross the road with their children.
Nabila has been documenting incidents of racism in Essex, her home county [Courtesy of Nabila]
According to the 2021 census, Basildon is 93 percent white, and Muslims make up less than 2 percent of the population. Campaigners have warned that in areas where ethnic minority communities are smaller and more geographically isolated, they face heightened risks, as visibility increases vulnerability.
A single mother working full time, Nabila has been documenting incidents of racism, supporting victims and organising meetings with local authorities.
She said she no longer feels safe in the place she calls home.
After being racially abused while walking through her favourite park, she stopped going there altogether. Women, she said, are increasingly changing their daily routines, constantly watching over their shoulders. Racism now permeates every aspect of their lives, she added.
At a women’s listening circle organised by Nabila in collaboration with the local authority at the Wat Tyler Centre, another Muslim woman, Zarka*, spoke about her experiences as a young mother in Basildon who wears the hijab.
After being told to “take that rag off your head” during the school run by a passer-by, she stopped taking her children to school for two weeks. Beyond verbal abuse, she described the cumulative effect of everyday hostility, from cars failing to stop at zebra crossings and hostile looks from passersby.
‘I can’t do this any more, Mum.’
Hundreds of miles north, similar experiences are unfolding in Scottish classrooms.
Etka Marwaha’s daughter Anisa was seven when she first experienced racist taunting at her primary school in Glasgow.
Marwaha said Anisa became quiet and withdrawn. She was isolated on the playground and subjected to racial slurs. Months later, she broke down in tears in front of her mother, explaining the abuse she had suffered.
On multiple occasions, Marwaha contacted the school, urging them to take action, even offering her own support on understanding racism. But, she said, they failed in their duty of care, and the extent of the problem was kept hidden.
It went on for two years before Etka felt compelled to take her daughter out of the school.
“The plan was never to move her into a different school,” she told Al Jazeera. “But she was refusing to go to school; she would come home very, very upset. She was isolated.
“She was in tears, saying, “I can’t do this any more, Mum.’ So she made the decision, at that young age, that ‘I want to get out of here.’”
The girl’s new school is not in the catchment area, nor is there a direct bus to it, causing further inconvenience. But it has a zero-tolerance approach to racism, and Anisa is happier.
At her new school, Anisa can speak about her experiences of racism and how it made her feel.
The ordeal brought back painful memories for Marwaha’s own experiences at school.
“The racist bullying, for me, started at secondary school. You’d think times have changed, that people have been educated, but I think things have changed for the worse when a seven-year-old can openly make a racist comment and that’s accepted by society, and parents don’t address it.”
Sam*, a doctor in northwest Scotland with dual heritage children, said he has been surprised by the level of racism in local schools.
“There has been a clear normalising of racist jokes and name-calling. Every one of our kids has been affected,” he said. “Perhaps the biggest surprise is how few other students stand up against racism. When I was growing up, if someone was racist, they would be the person being socially excluded. Now, silence. It has forced us to look at moving out of the UK.”
‘Racism is out of control’
In the latest incident of alleged and potentially dangerous racism, a man walked into Manchester Central Mosque on Tuesday, reportedly with an axe and weapons. The man was arrested. There had been 2,000 worshippers in the mosque at the time, for the evening tarawih prayers during Ramadan.
Official figures underline the scale of the problem.
In October 2025, the UK Home Office revealed that the number of hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales had risen for the first time in three years, including increases in racially and religiously motivated offences.
Religious hate crimes against Muslims rose by 19 percent, with a spike following the Southport murders and subsequent riots in mid-2025, the Home Office said.
The rise comes as hard-right politicians and activists, such as Reform leader Nigel Farage and the Islamophobic activist Tommy Robinson, rail against immigration. According to recent YouGov polling, if a general election were held tomorrow, Reform would lead with 24 percent.
Shabna Begum, head of Runnymede Trust, a race equality think tank, said, “Mainstream political and media actors have played in normalising and enabling racist narratives that have scapegoated migrants, people seeking asylum, Muslims and people of colour generally.”
In a report released last year, How Racism Affects Health, Runnymede highlighted the hypervigilance that people of colour have to operate with in order to guard their safety, and which causes long-term physiological damage, affecting life expectancy and mental health outcomes.
“For those that live in more disparate communities where they show up as minorities in a more visible way, that sense of threat is acute,” said Begum.
School suspensions for racist incidents have more than doubled in recent years, according to UK Department for Education data.
“Children as young as four are being sent home for racist behaviour,” Begum said. “This shows a society where racism is out of control, and that our school systems are failing to deal with the problem.
“They are making calculated decisions about where they will go, what travel routes they will take; withdrawing from regular social and community activities because they can no longer trust that those spaces will be safe for them.”
In the high-stakes world of private aviation, the acquisition of an aircraft is often celebrated as the ultimate achievement of corporate efficiency or personal success. It is the beginning of a journey defined by freedom and speed. However, the eventual divestment of that same asset is a process that is frequently underestimated, often to the financial detriment of the owner. Selling a complex machine that operates in a globally regulated environment is not merely a transaction; it is a multi-disciplinary project requiring legal, technical, and financial precision.
Unlike real estate or luxury automobiles, where value is relatively transparent and liquidity is somewhat predictable, the pre-owned jet market is opaque, fragmented, and notoriously unforgiving of unprepared sellers. A Gulfstream G650 or a Bombardier Challenger 350 does not have a “sticker price.” Its value is a floating target determined by its pedigree, its maintenance status, the geopolitical climate, and the specific micro-economics of its fleet type at the exact moment it hits the market. Navigating this exit requires a shift in mindset from “owner” to “vendor,” a transition that demands emotional detachment and rigorous attention to detail.
The Pre-Market Audit
Before a single photograph is taken or a listing is created, the aircraft must undergo a forensic internal audit. The most critical asset in a jet sale is not the leather seats or the paint job; it is the paperwork.
The Pedigree of Paper
In aviation, if a maintenance task is not documented, it effectively never happened. The value of an aircraft is inextricably tied to its logbooks. A missing logbook from ten years ago can devalue an airframe by millions of dollars. It raises the specter of “unknown damage history.” Sophisticated buyers will employ technical researchers to scan every page of the records. If they find gaps – missing 8130 forms for parts, undocumented engine cycles, or vague entries regarding repairs – they will either walk away or demand a price reduction that far exceeds the cost of the potential issue.
Therefore, the first step is digitizing and organizing the records. A seller must present a “clean bill of health” that traces the life of the aircraft from its birth on the assembly line to the present day. This includes organizing the “back-to-birth” trace for life-limited parts (LLPs). If you cannot prove the lineage of a landing gear strut, the buyer is forced to assume it is scrap metal, and the sale price will reflect that brutal reality.
Cosmetic Staging and the “Ramp Presence”
While the logs provide the technical value, the physical condition drives the emotional desire. A private jet is an emotional purchase. When a potential buyer walks up the airstairs, the sensory experience – the smell of the leather, the gleam of the woodwork, the clarity of the galley surfaces – sets the tone for the entire negotiation.
Sellers often neglect “ramp presence.” Faded paint on the wing leading edges, clouded cockpit windows, or worn carpet runners suggest a lack of care. If the owner skimped on the carpet, the buyer subconsciously wonders if they also skimped on the engine maintenance. Investing in professional detailing, wood veneer touch-ups, and even new carpet before listing can yield a return on investment of 3:1 or better. It removes the “low hanging fruit” that buyers use to justify lowball offers.
Valuation in a Fluid Market
Determining the asking price is an exercise in data analysis, not wishful thinking. Owners often fall into the trap of “book value” – what their accountant says the asset is worth – or “acquisition value” – what they paid for it plus the cost of upgrades. The market cares about neither.
The Influence of Engine Programs
One of the single largest determinants of value is the status of the engine maintenance programs. In the turbine world, these are often referred to as “Power by the Hour” programs (such as Rolls-Royce CorporateCare, JSSI, or Pratt & Whitney ESP). These programs act as a prepaid insurance policy for major engine overhauls.
An aircraft with engines “fully enrolled” on a program is a liquid asset. It transfers the liability of the next major overhaul (which can cost $2 million to $4 million per engine) from the buyer to the program provider. An aircraft that is “naked” (not on a program) is significantly harder to move. The seller must realize that if their engines are not covered, they will likely have to deduct the cost of the buy-in from the sale price, dollar for dollar.
Market Sentiment and Fleet Availability
Valuation also requires analyzing the “days on market” for comparable aircraft. If there are twenty Citation X jets for sale and only three have sold in the last six months, it is a buyer’s market. Pricing an aircraft at the top of the curve in such an environment ensures it will sit stagnant while incurring monthly hangar and insurance costs. A sharp, data-driven broker will provide a “Vref” or “Bluebook” value but will then adjust it based on real-time market intelligence, such as knowing that a competitor’s aircraft is about to drop its price by $500,000.
The Marketing Strategy
Once the aircraft is prepped and priced, the question becomes how to find a buyer. This is a small world. The strategy generally falls into two categories: On-Market and Off-Market.
The Broad Broadcast
Listing the aircraft on public-facing sites like Controller, AvBuyer, or JetNet is the standard approach. It maximizes exposure. However, it also signals to the world that the asset is available, which can sometimes be perceived as distress if it sits for too long. High-quality photography is non-negotiable here. Drone shots of the exterior, 3D walkthroughs of the cabin, and detailed shots of the galley amenities are standard expectations.
The Whisper Campaign
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals or corporations concerned with privacy, an “off-market” approach is preferred. The broker utilizes their personal network, calling other brokers and flight departments directly. “I have a turnkey Falcon 7X coming available next month, are you looking?” This creates an aura of exclusivity. It can drive a higher price because the buyer feels they are getting special access to an unlisted gem. However, it severely limits the buyer pool.
The Letter of Intent and the Deposit
When a buyer is found, the dance of documentation begins. The first major milestone is the Letter of Intent (LOI). This is a non-binding offer that outlines the price, the deposit amount (usually a refundable percentage held in escrow), and the timeline for the inspection.
The negotiation of the LOI is critical. It sets the “scope” of the Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). A seller wants a limited scope – “kick the tires and light the fires.” A buyer wants a deep scope – “take the plane apart and look for corrosion.” The agreed-upon scope determines how much risk the seller is exposed to. If the seller agrees to a “corrosion inspection” on an older aircraft, they might be opening a Pandora’s box of repair bills.
The Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Where Deals Die
This is the most volatile phase of the transaction tosell a private jet successfully. The aircraft is flown to a neutral maintenance facility chosen by the buyer. For two to four weeks, technicians will open panels, borescope engines, and test avionics.
The Discrepancy List
The facility will produce a list of “discrepancies.” These are things that are broken or out of limits. The contract (Aircraft Purchase Agreement or APA) usually dictates that the seller is responsible for fixing “airworthy” items – things that make the plane illegal to fly. However, buyers will often try to include cosmetic items or “recommended” service bulletins in this list.
The “technical acceptance” phase is a second negotiation. The seller must decide whether to pay for the repairs, offer a credit, or refuse. If the repair bill is $50,000, it’s usually absorbed. If a major structural issue is found costing $500,000, the deal often hangs in the balance. This is where a strong technical manager on the seller’s side is vital to argue that “wear and tear” is not an airworthiness discrepancy.
The Mechanics of Closing
Once the aircraft is technically accepted, the focus shifts to the legal and financial closing. This is rarely a handshake and a check. It is a choreographed movement of funds and title transfers, often across international borders.
The International Registry
Most modern transactions fall under the purview of the “Cape Town Convention,” an international treaty intended to standardize the registration of mobile assets like aircraft. Closing requires registering the sale on the International Registry (IR). This protects the buyer’s title and the lender’s lien. If the seller has existing liens on the aircraft – perhaps a loan from a bank or unpaid maintenance bills – these must be cleared precisely at the moment of funding.
Escrow Agents
An aviation-specific escrow agent (like IATS or Insured Aircraft Title Service) acts as the traffic controller. They hold the buyer’s money and the seller’s bill of sale. They only release the money to the seller once they have confirmed that the title is clear and the registration has been filed with the FAA (or relevant civil aviation authority).
Tax Implications and Depreciation Recapture
For corporate sellers, the sale is a taxable event. If the aircraft has been fully depreciated for tax purposes (written off to zero value over five years, for example), the proceeds from the sale are considered “depreciation recapture” and are taxed as ordinary income. This can be a massive tax bill.
Sellers often utilize a “1031 Exchange” (in the US context) to defer this tax by rolling the proceeds immediately into the purchase of a replacement aircraft. However, the timing rules for a 1031 Exchange are rigid. The replacement asset must be identified within 45 days and closed within 180 days. Failing to meet these windows triggers the tax liability.
Sales and Use Tax
Furthermore, the physical location of the aircraft at the moment of closing matters. Closing in a state or country with high sales tax can trigger a liability for the buyer, which they may try to pass on or negotiate. Delivery locations are often chosen specifically for their tax-neutral status (e.g., closing while the aircraft is flying over international waters or in a state with a specific “fly-away” exemption).
The Post-Closing Detachment
Once the wire hits the account, the seller’s responsibility is largely over, but not entirely. There is the matter of insurance cancellation, hangar lease termination, and crew severance or reassignment.
If the crew is being retained by the buyer, a smooth transition of employment contracts is needed. If the aircraft is leaving the country, it must be deregistered from the national registry (e.g., the N-number removed) so it can be re-registered in its new home.
The Strategic Imperative of Patience
The timeline for a transaction of this magnitude typically runs from three to nine months. Sellers who enter the market with unrealistic expectations regarding price or timeline are often punished by the market. The “stigma of the stale listing” is real. If a jet sits on the market for 300 days, buyers assume there is something wrong with it, and the offers get progressively lower.
The most successful sellers are those who treat the divestment with the same rigor as the initial acquisition. They maintain the asset perfectly until the day it leaves, they assemble a team of specialized brokers and lawyers, and they remove emotion from the negotiation. In the end, the goal is not just to sell a plane; it is to exit a liability cleanly, maximizing capital retrieval to fuel the next mission, whether that is another acquisition or a reinvestment into the core business. The art of the exit is, ultimately, the art of preparation.
