When I think of the solidarity of musicians, I recall an iconic scene from the film “Titanic.”

It’s the one where a quartet plays “Nearer, My God, to Thee” as the great, “unsinkable” ship sinks into the North Atlantic Ocean.

They attempted to offer calm amid a sea of panic as passengers and crew feverishly boarded lifeboats. The events were based on a true story and historians note that the body of the Titanic band leader Wallace Hartley was found floating in the ocean “with his music case strapped to it.”

Even in tragedy, we seek music to bring us solace.

Much closer to home, musicians from Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other affected areas have been challenged to keep the music going after losing instruments, studio equipment and business along with their homes in the January 2025 fires that claimed the lives of 31 people.

One organization, Altadena Musicians, launched the app Instrumental Giving to connect donors who can spare an old piano or a gently used cello with those who lost similar instruments.

KC Mancebo, an Altadena Musicians advisor, spoke with The Times about the group’s mission and success.

The campaign’s genesis

It started with composers Brandon Jay and his wife, Gwendolyn Sanford, who saw their Altadena home, music studio and several instruments destroyed by the Eaton fire.

Shortly after the fire, Jay posted about the lost equipment and what each piece meant to his family.

He said the response from that post — hundreds of people offering their instruments and other types of aid — left him “overwhelmed and gobsmacked.”

He called friends and helpers from throughout the music industry, including Mancebo, chief executive of the event production and talent booking agency Clamorhouse, hoping to offer to others the same help he received.

Mancebo had been helping homeowners navigate fire insurance paperwork and processes.

“Brandon Jay asked, ‘Why don’t we start gathering instruments for our friends,” Mancebo said. “We had 25 friends in the Palisades and 15 friends in the Eaton fire that lost everything, so we and others got involved.”

How’s it going so far?

The organization has passed out around 3,500 instruments to 1,200 families since the first donations in late January 2025, Mancebo said.

The donations range from ukuleles to Steinway & Sons pianos.

“We’re providing instruments to anyone from children who lost their first instruments to people who lost their entire studio,” she said. “The need is great.”

The gifts have come from individual donors and corporate benefactors such as JBL, which has provided speakers and equipment, as well as guitar makers Fender and Gibson, among others.

Rebuilding from the ashes

Mancebo lost her Westside home eight years ago because of a defective dryer that caught fire, she said.

“I went through the whole process of insurance, permitting and rebuilding and we didn’t have FEMA or anyone to help,” she said. “I want to provide that help to those in a similar situation.”

Mancebo said it took eight years to recover and rebuild her home.

“No one is fine after the first year,” she said. “Everyone needs help.”

Brentwood resident Amy Engelhardt, a singer/songwriter, composer, lyricist and playwright, donated her Kawai Upright Piano to the Altadena Musicians organization on March 10, 2026.

(Courtesy of Amy Engelhardt)

One person’s goodbye is another’s hello

Brentwood resident Amy Engelhardt, a singer/songwriter, composer, lyricist and playwright, loved her Kawai upright piano she purchased through a PennySaver ad in 2000.

“It was a deal for the starving artist,” she said. “I paid so little and I always considered it a gift.”

Since then, Engelhardt said she has written all of her music on that piano. She didn’t, however, play it while recording her Grammy-nominated vocal group, the Bobs.

Still, she donated her piano this week to a woman who lost her home. The instrument would not be making the permanent move with Engelhardt back to New York, where her playwriting services are in demand.

“I did get emotional about it, but it’s OK,” Engelhardt said. “It’s comforting knowing that someone else will love it and create their own memories.”

Those interested in donating can check out https://altadenamusicians.org.

The week’s biggest stories

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With its ancient church ruins and historic houses, walkers and history enthusiasts flock to see the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village

Tourists flock from far and wide to witness the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village. Wharram Percy has stood empty for hundreds of years and now provides a captivating destination for ramblers and heritage buffs.

Tucked away in North Yorkshire, Wharram Percy ranks amongst Britain’s largest deserted medieval settlements and is certainly the most celebrated. Guests can wander freely across the ancient site, exploring the vestiges of centuries-old dwellings, a church, and manor house remains.

Perfectly positioned midway between crowd-pulling destinations Scarborough Castle and Clifford’s Tower in York, it proves an ideal pit stop when travelling between these two landmarks. Whilst admission to the settlement is complimentary, visitors face a modest £2 parking fee.

Throughout a remarkable 60-year span, archaeologists have steadily uncovered fresh insights into Wharram Percy’s past. Their discoveries have revealed why the location was originally forsaken and how residents lived during earlier eras.

Situated on a Yorkshire valley’s rim, this extraordinary settlement was home to communities for as long as six hundred years before being abandoned following the 1500s. Experts believe that even now, traces of former dwellings remain visible in the earth, alongside the more prominent ruins that draw inquisitive sightseers.

The history requires some unpacking, but specialists reckon the first settlement stretches back to around 50 BC. This territory was later converted into agricultural land but remained abandoned throughout the 5th century, before ultimately evolving into a Middle Saxon community.

It’s worth bearing in mind that accessing the village involves approximately a 3/4 mile trek from the car park to the principal area, which is often both precipitous and waterlogged. The location presents uneven ground across its entirety, which can prove difficult for certain visitors and is largely impractical for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

A TripAdvisor reviewer emphasised this point, noting: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”

They proceeded to characterise it as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” expedition unsuitable for those with restricted mobility, as the path traverses farmland.

After their excursion, one enthusiast commended their experience, remarking: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed. Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”

Another visitor commented: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”

Good morning, and welcome to L.A. on the Record — our City Hall newsletter. It’s Noah Goldberg, with an assist from David Zahniser and Melissa Gomez, giving you the latest on city and county government.

Former Deputy City Atty. Michelle McGinnis wants to know why she was escorted out of City Hall in front of her colleagues, forced to turn in her work computer and placed on administrative leave in April 2024.

In her search for answers, a separate issue has arisen: whether her former boss is withholding or deleting text messages.

In a lawsuit against the city, McGinnis subpoenaed text messages about her between City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto and one of her top deputies, Denise Mills.

But according to a new petition that McGinnis filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Feldstein Soto produced zero text messages between her and Mills, and Mills produced just three with Feldstein Soto. The subpoena also asked for messages on Signal and other apps.

McGinnis’ lawyer, Caleb Mason, said the lack of texts strains credulity and probably means that some were deleted or withheld. McGinnis, who headed the criminal branch of the City Attorney’s Office, was fired in January 2025.

“It is obviously relevant and critical … to see what Ms. Feldstein [Soto] and Ms. Mills were saying to one another about Ms. McGinnis … that led to the extraordinary and unprecedented action of escorting a Branch Chief out of the building,” Mason wrote in a Feb. 23 brief.

A deputy city attorney representing Feldstein Soto and Mills disputed Mason’s claims in court filings, calling the new petition “uncomprehensible [sic]” and asserting that the two officials complied with the subpoenas. The attorney also sent 2,061 pages of documents to Mason.

Feldstein Soto, in a declaration, said that she “diligently searched for any documents” and shared them with her lawyer.

Mills said she did the same. In an effort to “retrieve any backup text messages,” she performed a factory reset of her phone on Jan. 30. McGinnis said the subpoenas were served on Dec. 15.

McGinnis’ lawyer said that was tantamount to spoliation — or destruction of evidence.

“Every court and every attorney in the country knows that ‘performing a factory reset’ means erasing information from a phone,” he wrote.

“It is reckless or negligent to reset a device when you know the opposing party is seeking that info,” said Laurie Levenson, a professor of law at Loyola Law School.

Still, Levenson said, politicians and lawyers often prefer speaking in person or on the phone to avoid their communications being exposed in a lawsuit. So it’s possible that the two didn’t exchange many text messages.

Feldstein Soto said in a statement that she has turned over all text messages about McGinnis. “There is nothing new here,” she said. “Ms. McGinnis was terminated, for cause. We remain confident in that decision.”

The city has argued that McGinnis “routinely opposed” Feldstein Soto’s policy and prosecutorial decisions.

McGinnis was placed on administrative leave due to a “pattern of insubordination and failure to meet minimal job requirements,” the city wrote in a legal filing in 2024.

The lawsuit that McGinnis filed against the city in 2024 alleged that Feldstein Soto retaliated against McGinnis and made prosecutorial decisions based on “personal relationships” or “perceived political gain.” The lawsuit also accused Feldstein Soto and Mills of “inappropriate alcohol consumption” in the office.

Other local politicians have also coughed up remarkably few text messages in response to public records requests.

Mayor Karen Bass came under scrutiny following the Palisades fire over the fact that her text messages auto-delete after 30 days, destroying potentially critical information about her decisions surrounding the devastating blaze. The Times sued the city after Bass’ counsel argued that her texts were “ephemeral” and not subject to public records requests. L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also said she auto-deletes messages after 30 days — and sometimes manually deletes them.

City Council President Marqueece Harris Dawson, meanwhile, turned over zero texts, emails, Signal and WhatsApp messages in response to a Times public records request for his communications with Bass from Jan. 6 to Jan. 16, 2025 — before, during and after the Palisades fire.

Harris-Dawson’s office said it had “conducted a search and found no responsive records for this request.”

State of play

— IDK, VOTERS SAY: A majority of Angelenos have not made up their minds about the June 2 mayoral primary, according to a poll released this week. Bass had the most support at 20%, while reality TV star Spencer Pratt had 10% and Councilmember Nithya Raman had 9%, the poll found.

— HOMELESS DEATHS DROP: For the first time in the decade that homeless mortality has been tracked in Los Angeles County, fewer people have died on the streets and in shelters than the year before, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday. A sharp decrease in overdose deaths drove a decline of 10% in the rate of homeless deaths from all causes in 2024, the most recent data analyzed by the county.

— LAST-MINUTE MEMO: The City Council was set to vote on a $177-million contract for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles to continue representing tenants for the next three years, with other groups providing related services. But the night before the March 3 vote, Feldstein Soto sent a confidential memo to council offices recommending that council members “reconsider the award of such a large contract to a frequent litigant against the city.”

The council approved the contract, with changes, a week later.

— CAMPAIGN REVELATION: Community organizer Jordan Rivers, who is running against incumbent Tim McOsker to represent Council District 15, said he will continue his campaign after a report surfaced that he stabbed a neighbor when he was 12. Rivers, now 22, stabbed the 8-year-old boy in the neck and shoulders, inflicting “severe and life threatening physical and emotional injuries,” a lawsuit said. On Monday, Rivers said it was an “accident” that happened a decade ago.

“I do not believe that past situations or indeed past mistakes define or determine who a person is or what they are,” he said.

— LAPD REFORMS: A series of proposed changes to the city’s charter — essentially its constitution — could give elected leaders in Los Angeles more oversight over the Police Department and enable the police chief to fire problem officers. The changes, recommended by the city’s Charter Reform Commission, have long been sought by advocates and are likely to face fierce opposition.

— SUPE SPEAKS: Embattled Los Angeles schools chief Alberto Carvalho made his first public statement since the FBI raided his home and district office on Feb. 25. He denied any wrongdoing and asked to return to his duties.

“While the government’s investigation remains ongoing, no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law,” the statement said.

— A WEEK OF WIPEOUTS: With city officials finalizing the list of candidates for the June 2 election, a number of hopefuls failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. They include community leader Eddie Ha, publicist Dory Frank and entrepreneur Jeremy Wineberg on the Westside; residential connectivity specialist Rosa Requeno on the Eastside; neighborhood council member Jon Rawlings in the San Fernando Valley; and neighborhood council president Adriana Cabrera, civil rights attorney Chris Martin and social worker Michelle Washington in South L.A.

— REWORKING ULA (TAKE 3): The City Council voted Wednesday to create an ad hoc committee to look at potential changes to Measure ULA, the tax on high-end property sales passed in 2022. City leaders have made two previous moves to rewrite the measure, neither of which succeeded.

— VOTING OLYMPIC VALUES: The council voted Friday to “express concern” about LA28 Olympics committee chairman Casey Wasserman, saying his appearance in the Epstein files poses a “potential conflict” with the values of the Olympic movement. Several elected officials at City Hall, including Bass, had already called for Wasserman to step down.

— MEETING OF MAYORS: On Friday, about 20 mayors and city council members from across L.A. County, including Bass, came together to discuss the impact that immigration raids have had on their communities. Many raised concerns about the role of local law enforcement in allowing federal agents to act with what they described as impunity.

One mayor suggested that all the cities that contract with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department should get together to demand accountability for deputies in their interactions with immigration agents.

QUICK HITS

• Where is Inside Safe? The mayor’s signature program went to Washington and Lincoln boulevards in Councilmember Traci Park‘s district, bringing more than 20 people inside, according to a mayoral spokesperson.
• On the docket next week: The Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America will meet on Saturday, March 21, at Immanuel Presbyterian in Koreatown. Members are expected to vote on whether to make an endorsement in the mayoral primary.

Stay in touch

That’s it for this week! Send your questions, comments and gossip to LAontheRecord@latimes.com. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Saturday morning.

British Para-skier Menna Fitzpatrick says she is already looking to the future after missing out on a medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics.

The 27-year-old, who is Britain’s most successful Winter Paralympian, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury late last year and postponed surgery to compete at her third Games.

But after finishing fifth in her final event in Italy, the women’s visually impaired slalom, she told BBC Sport she wants to make it to another Games.

“Every end of a cycle marks a new challenge and my plan is to hopefully make it to France in 2030,” she said.

“I first learned how to ski in France so it’s almost like going home. That will be a really cool one for me to aim for.”

Fitzpatrick and guide Katie Guest saved their best finish for last after two sixth places in the super-G and giant slalom and ninth in the Alpine combined.

Austrian Veronika Aigner maintained her dominance with her fourth gold of the Games, finishing four seconds clear of compatriot Elina Stary.

Despite not coming away with another medal for her collection, Fitzpatrick was keen to focus on the positives.

“I think it’s been a really successful Games for us, considering where I was before, so I’m really happy, especially with the performance today,” she added.

“We really went out there and pushed it, and are really happy with the result.

“As an athlete you always hope for your absolute best skiing in a race. It often doesn’t happen like that and as athletes we’re really hard on ourselves when things are tough.

“It’s been a challenging two weeks, but just knowing that I’ve got these performances within me, even if the preparation didn’t go quite to plan, gives me confidence.”

March 14 (UPI) — An explosion early Saturday at a Jewish school in Amsterdam was a “targeted attack” fueled by anti-Semitism, the city’s mayor said.

It was the second attack on Jewish institutions in the Netherlands in as many days.

A statement from Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said a suspect detonated an explosive device along the outer wall of a school in the neighborhood of Buitenveldert. She said there was limited damage to the facility and no injuries reported.

“This is a cowardly act of aggression towards the Jewish community,” she said. “I understand the fear and anger of Jewish Amsterdammers. They are increasingly confronted with anti-Semitism, and that is unacceptable.

“A school must be a place where children can receive lessons safely. Amsterdam must be a place where Jews can live safely.”

Halsema said police were investigating the explosion using camera images of the suspect who detonated the device.

The attack in Amsterdam came one day after an explosion and fire at a synagogue early Friday in Rotterdam. Police said the fire went out on its own and no one was injured.

A statement from the police department said officers later arrested four teenage men outside another synagogue in the city believing them t be involved in the earlier attack. The driver of the vehicle allegedly had been driving erratically and matched the description of one of the perpetrators at the first synagogue.

The arrested suspects were from Tilburg and aged between 17 and 19.

His family and close friends said in a statement: “For more than a year he battled the brain cancer, glioblastoma. He leaves his wife Tracey, his sons Josh and Jed and a new grandson, and many friends and former colleagues who will all miss him greatly.”

MICHAEL B. Jordan has been dreaming of landing Oscars glory since he was 15-years-old, but there were fears his career was over before it began.

In-demand Jordan heads to the Academy Awards on Sunday in line to land the coveted Best Actor award for supernatural horror movie Sinners, which has been nominated for a record-breaking 16 gongs.

But in an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun, childhood pal JD Williams — who starred alongside a teenage Jordan in HBO’s iconic cop drama The Wire — says his bloody exit in the show had the young actor doubting his future.

Williams played local dealer and gang member Bodie, taking Jordan’s unassuming, drug-running character of Wallace under his wing.

Yet when the bosses, led by Hollywood star Idris Elba as the notorious Stringer Bell, suspected Jordan was speaking to cops, Williams was told to execute him.

With the actors only given their scripts days before a shoot, the Creed star had no idea his breakout role was soon to be over.

It was a heartbreaking end to the first season, and left a young Jordan worried about his career ending abruptly.

“None of us knew where the story was going,” Williams told The U.S. Sun. “You only get your scripts week to week. When he saw that he was getting killed off, he literally thought he wasn’t going to work again.

“I told him, ‘Look, everybody loves you already. When this happens, people are going to look up Wallace’s real name. When they find out it’s Michael B. Jordan, they’re going to look for you in everything.’”

Williams, 48, and Jordan, 39, grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and both attended Arts High School.

While many of the actors in The Wire were cleverly drawn from the gritty streets of Baltimore, trained actors such as Elba, the late Michael K. Williams, who played hustler Omar, as well as Jordan and his pal Williams, helped elevate the five-series masterpiece to the next level.

Jordan came into the show off the back of the 2001 sports drama Hardball, starring Keanu Reeves.

He was very much learning his trade when he met Williams and his fellow co-stars for the first time.

Yet going up against the A-listers Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio for an Oscar illustrates just how far Jordan has come since those early, nervy days.

“I had already heard about him because he had done Hardball, and I was proud of him for that,” Williams recalled. “Then to find out he was on the same series I was doing, I was like, ‘Wow — a kid from exactly where I’m from and we’re doing this together.’”

The two actors quickly formed a bond on set.

They hung out together, playing PlayStation and traveling to Las Vegas and Miami when not filming.

Their friendship has remained strong ever since.

“I would say he’s probably the most organic actor — star actor — out there,” Williams, a prominent and memorable character in The Wire who was eventually killed off himself after 34 episodes, said. “There’s minimal fakeness in him, minimal shade.”

If Jordan wins the best actor award, he will become the first character from writer David Simon’s critically acclaimed show to be crowned by the Academy.

“Someone from our class had to get it, if Michael K. Williams were still alive, I think he would have been in this position too, but I’m so proud it’s Mike,” said his old friend. “There’s no scandal with him. It’s deserved.”

Williams went on to star in prison drama Oz, is working on numerous independent projects, has also appeared in Starz drama BMF, and now relishes helping guide the next generation of actors.

Jordan, meanwhile, has steadily built one of the most successful careers of his generation, starring in films like Creed and portraying villain Killmonger in Marvel’s Black Panther.

Crucially, his longtime creative partnership with director Ryan Coogler, who was also behind Creed in 2015, has become one of the most influential collaborations in modern Hollywood.

No film has ever received more nominations than Sinners, in which Jordan masterfully plays a dual role as twin brothers Elijah and Elias.

The movie stormed this year’s Academy Awards with a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 14 shared by All About Eve, Titanic and La La Land.

Its dominance spans the biggest categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Coogler — along with a Best Actor nomination for Jordan, his first at the Oscars.

The apocalyptic drama also earned acting nods for Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku, while racking up recognition across major craft categories including cinematography, editing, costume design and visual effects.

The record-setting 16th nomination came in the Academy’s brand-new Best Casting category, recognizing Francine Maisler’s work assembling the film’s ensemble.

Williams says he worked on a series of scripts and ideas with Jordan over the years, but admits the partnership with Coogler has helped his friend evolve as an actor and is why he now stands on the brink of greatness.

“Him and Ryan getting together is the perfect combination,” he said. “Having a director that is great to collaborate with is exactly what was needed.

“If you have a vision and you’re part of a class of actors coming up together, that’s what happens. They are the perfect combination.”

Jordan’s ability to deliver the performances his directors want is also key.

“If you give Mike direction, he gets it straight away,” Williams said. “He can go exactly where you need him to go and be what you need him to be in that moment.

“That’s the essence of acting — delivering the message to the audience.

“And he’s not just there to be handsome and pretty. Mike is writing, producing, directing. He understands the whole business.”

Biggest Oscar Nominees of 2026 Academy Awards

Everyone in Hollywood hopes to snag a nod on the industry’s biggest night but only few get that honor. Here are the nominees from the major categories of the 2026 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

• Bugonia
• F1
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

Best Director

• Chloé Zhao — Hamnet
• Josh Safdie — Marty Supreme
• Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
• Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
• Ryan Coogler — Sinners

Best Actor (Leading Role)

• Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
• Leonardo DiCaprio — One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke — Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
• Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent

Best Actress (Leading Role)

• Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
• Rose Byrne — If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Renate Reinsve — Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone — Bugonia
• Kate Hudson — Song Sung Blue

Best Supporting Actor

• Benicio Del Toro — One Battle After Another
• Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
• Delroy Lindo — Sinners
• Sean Penn — One Battle After Another
• Stellan Skarsgård — Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress

• Teyana Taylor — One Battle After Another
• Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
• Amy Madigan — Weapons
• Elle Fanning — Sentimental Value
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas — Sentimental Value

Best Original Screenplay

• Bugonia — Yorgos Lanthimos & Will Tracy
• Marty Supreme — Josh Safdie & Ronald Bronstein
• One Battle After Another — Paul Thomas Anderson
• Sentimental Value — Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt
• Sinners — Ryan Coogler

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Blue Moon — Richard Linklater & Glen Powell
• Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro
• Hamnet — Chloé Zhao
• The Secret Agent — Kleber Mendonça Filho
• Train Dreams — Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Best Animated Feature

• Arco
• KPop Demon Hunters
• The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol
• Zootopia 2
• The Night Gardener

Best International Feature Film

• The Secret Agent — Brazil
• Sentimental Value — Norway
• It Was Just an Accident — Iran
• Universal Language — Canada
• Sujo — Mexico

Best Documentary Feature

• The Alabama Solution
• Come See Me in the Good Light
• Four Daughters
• No Other Land
• The Perfect Neighbor

More than two decades after their time on The Wire, Williams says watching Jordan’s continued rise is deeply personal.

Their families remain close.

“I’m proud of my brother,” he said. “He’s been growing as an actor his entire life. But he’s deeper than that — he writes, he produces, he directs. He’s built himself into this system.

“I can’t explain how proud I am. Thinking back to us just sitting on my parents’ steps at my little sister’s birthday party — and now seeing where he is. The vision is unfolding exactly the way it was supposed to.”

But will he watch his old friend’s moment of destiny on Sunday night?

“When I don’t watch my team, they win. When I watch my team, it’s 50-50. And I don’t — I just don’t know, man,” he said with a huge smile.

“If it’s not this time, it’s going to be the next time. But of course I am behind my brother. I always will be.

“Chalamet is a great actor, but this is Mike’s year. If he wins, I’m going straight to his house. I don’t know if I’ll hug him or punch him in the stomach, but it’ll be a great feeling. He’s a great dude and I love him to death.

“We talked about this stuff while playing PlayStation years ago. Seeing it unfold meticulously — not as a fluke, but as a plan — is beautiful.”

Reporting from El Progreso, Honduras — Not long after Jesuit priest Jack Warner met a bearded, 22-year-old Midwesterner in 1980, the two Americans bonded, drawn together by the goals and questions that led them both to El Progreso, a small city not far from vast banana fields — the campos bananeros.

Warner was 35 and had arrived a year earlier to form the Teatro La Fragua, a theater company for Hondurans. As the young priest looked to forge a relationship with the campesinos, his friendship blossomed with Tim Kaine, who had taken a year off from Harvard Law School to join the Jesuit mission.

“He was 22 years old,” Warner said, “and it was the typical thing that a 22-year-old would do: What do I do with my life?”

Kaine, now a 58-year-old U.S. senator from Virginia and the Democratic vice presidential nominee, has often said that his time in Honduras helped him answer that question, giving him “a North Star” to guide his life toward public service. It’s central to his biography and likely to arise Tuesday night when he debates his Republican opponent, Mike Pence.

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When Kaine traveled to Honduras, the nation was in the throes of turmoil, flanked by countries torn by civil war and ruled by the heavy hand of a U.S-backed military bent on stamping out what it perceived to be communism spreading in the region.

“I got a firsthand look at a system — a dictatorship — where a few people at the top had all the power and everyone else got left out,” Kaine said in July at the Democratic National Convention.

He also witnessed extreme poverty. His experiences, coupled with the Jesuit goal of being “men for others,” led him to become a civil-rights lawyer for 17 years, specializing in housing-discrimination cases. Honduras convinced him, he said, “that we’ve got to advance opportunity for everyone.”

Kaine now serves on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and this year co-sponsored a bill that would increase aid to Central America’s “Northern Triangle” — Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Key to his experiences in Honduras was the friendship and example of Warner and a handful of other Jesuits. And a Christmastime visit to a poor man’s house taught him a lesson that resonates decades later.

During his time in El Progreso, Kaine lived in a barracks, along with Warner and other Jesuits. After their work days wrapped up about 5 p.m., he and Warner frequently commiserated over office duties, students, the teatro and the poetry Kaine was writing. Warner, a former English teacher, worked with Kaine on his verse. Over time, they became confidants.

Father Jack Warner admires a painting created by an actor who performs in the Teatro la Fragua in El Progreso, Honduras.

(Veronica Rocha / Los Angeles Times )

Both men grew up in the Midwest — Kaine in the Kansas City, Kan., suburb of Overland Park; Warner in St. Louis — and had been drawn to the Jesuit mission of social justice from an early age.

Kaine attended Rockhurst High School for boys, run by Jesuit priests who ran a demanding schedule of daily Masses, theology classes and community service activities with retreats.

Kaine, who earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Missouri, was at Harvard Law when he began to question his faith and the path he should take in life, he says. Because he had made a brief trip to Honduras in 1974 to deliver donations to the Jesuits, he decided to write them and see whether they could use some help. They said yes.

“He took a rather strong decision to seek out an answer — not everyone comes to Progreso,” Warner said.

Kaine had to tell his law school dean, and his parents, of this new direction. “The dean, not to mention my parents and friends, were confused about what I was doing and even questioned whether I would come back,” Kaine once recalled in a Virginia Tech speech.

By September 1980, Kaine was rumbling along in a bus into northern Nicaragua, where he visited another American Jesuit, Father James Carney. In Honduras months earlier, Carney had encouraged peasants to fight for their land, and he was expelled by the Honduran military, which saw him as one of the leftist priests who embraced liberation theology and the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua.

Activists, some of them priests or the peasants they worked with, would be banished or killed by authorities. Carney would later disappear in what was believed to be a clandestine Honduran military operation backed by the CIA.

“It was a time when anytime the police stopped you, you got really nervous. You never knew what was going to happen,” Warner recalled. “We were under a military dictatorship at the time and very heavy military control. It was scary, and one had to live very carefully.”

In El Progreso that September, Kaine soon met another Jesuit, Brother James O’Leary, a missionary also from Missouri.

O’Leary, who died in 2002, was often described as an outspoken, occasionally cranky but also skilled carpenter, painter and electrician who built houses and chapels for the poor. Kaine worked with him at his Loyola Technical Vocational Center, helping to boost the school’s enrollment and teaching carpentry and welding. As a youngster, Kaine had picked up skills working in his father’s ironworking shop in the Kansas City area.

Kaine declined to be interviewed for this story, but in a speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, he recalled what O’Leary taught him.

“I learned from a great mentor there, Brother Jim O’Leary, that faith is about more than words or doctrine — it’s about action,” he said. “And that led me to spend my life in public service.”

One of Kaine’s former students at the vocational center, Alex Hernandez Monroy, recalled the daily lessons in carpentry and welding from the shaggy-haired young American.

“His Spanish wasn’t very good, but despite all that he interacted with us,” said Hernandez Monroy, then 13 and now 48. Although Kaine couldn’t pronounce certain words, the students appreciated his efforts.

“Something very important that he did was that he visited the families of the students,” he said. “We were not used to interacting with Americans, so it had an impression on us to see someone like him educating us.”

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Using some of the skills he learned from Kaine and O’Leary, Hernandez Monroy teaches carpentry to a group of 15 students at the school. “They taught us that we could help our kids,” he said. “The majority of our youth are at risk, so that left an impression on us.”

::

About 35,000 people lived in El Progreso in 1980, when it was dominated by the presence of the United Fruit Co., the world’s largest — and often exploitative — banana company. Today it has a population of about 200,000, and the winding roads leading to the city are lined by brightly colored, one-story concrete homes.

During Kaine’s time there, however, it was a collection of dusty, rural villages and banana camps, with mountaintop towns accessible only by foot or mule. As a center for union activity, it became a target of the communism-fearing Reagan administration.

While war raged in neighboring El Salvador and Nicaragua, Honduras remained calm — but was gripped in fear. It was the staging ground for many of the United States’ clandestine operations aimed at toppling other governments.

People dared not speak about activism or union organizing lest they risk being among those who “disappeared.” More than a dozen priests were killed in the 1970s and 1980s after being associated with liberation theology, considered a Marxist-tinged doctrine that preached to the poor.

While Catholic priests in Central America were attacked for advocating on behalf of the poor, Kaine maintained a low profile and didn’t attract notice from the military.

Warner, a slender man with gray shoulder-length hair, recalled Kaine’s time in Honduras during a recent interview at the theater in El Progreso.

“His interest was in the students and what he was doing in his work, which is what we were all doing,” Warner said. “Trying to figure how we can do the work without being kicked out of the country for exploring it.”

Kaine also saw poverty and expressed his feelings about it through writing, as did Warner.

The priest maintained a daily newsletter with accounts of poverty and life in El Progreso. “We all have our defenses to shut out the existence of human misery, most of which consist of closing our eyes and pretending it doesn’t exist,” Warner wrote in a December 1980 newsletter. “Hopelessness then becomes a way of life for both parties.”

Warner published one of Kaine’s poems, titled “Still Life,” in which he described the “thick misery” of the town of San Pedro Sula. “In the saddest slum of San Pedro, lives are played out in the shade of a highway where buses glide like lost thoughts overhead.”

He likened the challenges, or “questions marks” facing the town to fingers testing the wind. “Each predicts change that just won’t come.”

Kaine spent nine months in El Progreso before returning to Harvard. He has kept in occasional touch with Warner and has returned to Honduras several times, most recently last year. This year, he and 25 senators called for an end to immigration raids in the U.S. targeting women and children who were fleeing violence in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

When he accepted the nomination for vice president, Kaine said that the three basic values he absorbed in Honduras hold true today: “Fe, familia y trabajo.” Faith, family and work.

Students take a break before heading to class to learn carpentry at Loyola Technical Vocational Center, where Tim Kaine volunteered, in El Progreso, Honduras.

(Veronica Rocha / Los Angeles Times )

“I came to understand the power of faith and communal worship,” Kaine said at Virginia Tech in 2006. “I learned how to speak Spanish and began to understand how the things which can seem to divide us — like language and skin color — were so much smaller than the dreams and fears that unite us.”

Kaine also has repeatedly recalled what became one of his most indelible memories of Honduras.

He and Father Jarrell Wade, a Jesuit known as Father Patricio, had traveled by mule to visit a dirt-poor family around Christmas. As they prepared to leave, the husband handed Wade a bag. “Merry Christmas, padre,” he said.

Inside the worn bag were fruits and vegetables he had saved for the priest. Wade took the bag and thanked him.

Kaine was appalled and angered that the priest would take food from such a poor family — “I was fuming” — until Wade imparted the lesson: “You must be really humble to accept a gift of food from a poor person, and the most important thing in life is the ability to give.”

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA

Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

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SACRAMENTO — If anyone knows how to help shooters feel comfortable when things aren’t going well, it’s Damien coach Mike LeDuc, who produced two of the Southern Section’s best scorers in Tracy Murray and Casey Jacobsen during his Glendora days.

So when Zaire Rasshan was only two of nine from three-point range at halftime on Friday night in the state Division I championship game, the message and mentality was keep shooting.

“I told him to start making them,” LeDuc said.

“I knew they were going to fall,” Rasshan.

He made a three to start the third quarter, launching a 10-0 surge that Folsom never recovered from. Damien came away with a 58-55 victory at Golden 1 Center, becoming the fifth straight team from the Southern Section Open Division to drop down to Division I and come away as state champion.

Rasshan finished with 18 points, including five threes. His three with 1:05 left moved Damien to an eight-point lead. Elijah Smith had 18 points and four assists. Eli Garner scored 15 points and had 13 rebounds. The only other player to score for Damien was Cameron Murray with seven points. He’s the nephew of Tracy Murray.

Throughout the fourth quarter, the Spartans (32-7) kept finding open players with near-perfect execution on offense.

“Their level of execution was on another level from anyone we’ve played,” Folsom coach Mike Wall said.

Joven Dulay and Parks Weaver each scored 16 points for Folsom, which fell behind 57-47 with 39 seconds left after two Smith free throws. Damien outrebounded Folsom 32-21 and had an 11-2 edge in offensive rebounds and took 30 threes to Folsom’s 18.

LeDuc, who has been coaching since 1979-80, said of the Spartans, “I really do believe this team, more than any other team I’ve coached, has been overachieving.”

The Spartans lacked height this season but got all five players on the court to rebound as a group, helping overcome any disadvantages. And Smith, as the point guard, rose up in the postseason.

“This run we’ve had, this guy has been ridiculously incredible,” LeDuc said of Smith.

As for the execution in the fourth quarter, LeDuc said, “We run a lot of plays. Basketball is a real simple game. It’s a game of repetition and if you do it over and over, you expect it to be done perfectly.”

March 14 (UPI) — President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces “totally obliterated” every military target on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key port that exports the vast majority of Iran’s oil.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday evening, Trump described the attack as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East.”

He said he directed U.S. Central Command to carry out the bombings after Iran halted ships’ passage through the Straight of Hormuz. About 20% of the world’s crude oil passes through the strait.

“For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the island,” Trump wrote.

“However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”

Kharg Island is about 15 miles south of the Iranian mainland through which about 90% of the country’s oil exports pass, The Washington Post reported. It’s a critical piece of Iran’s economy and a full attack on the oil infrastructure there could hinder Iran’s ability to pay its military.

Iranian officials said the site was “proceeding normally” after the U.S. attack.

In response to Friday’s bombings on Kharg Island, Iran threatened its own attack on key oil infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, CNN reported.

Oil has been a key factor in the war in Iran, which began Feb. 28 with surprise U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on dozens of Iranian sites. AAA reported Saturday that the average price of a gallon of gasoline was $3.68 in the United States, up 23% since the start of the war.

This could, in turn, have a dramatic impact on other aspects of the U.S. economy, including food prices, jet fuel and fertilizer.

A strike on the heavily fortified United States embassy compound in Baghdad caused a fire and damage to the complex. It is the second attack on the embassy since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.

MAURA Higgins looked incredible as she stripped off for a bubble bath for a new St Patrick’s Day advert.

The former Love Island star, 35, was seen relaxing in the tub with a cold pint of Guinness on the side.

Maura used the bubbles to cover her modesty as she enjoyed a relaxing soak.

Meanwhile, her crew were seen frantically searching a pub for her as one member screams: “Did you lose Maura?”

The video then cuts back to Maura who admits there’s nothing better than an “Irish exit”, which is the act of leaving a party or social gathering quietly without telling the host or saying goodbye to anyone at the event.

Looking seductively at the camera, Maura said: “There’s nothing better than a successful Irish exit. 

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“Sneaking away quietly in a well-timed Uber. I think it’s my new thing.”

Maura then reached over to her phone as she scored her Uber driver a five star rating.

She continued: “It’s like when you’re out or at a pub filming a work thing. I don’t think you should say anything to anyone about leaving anywhere. 

“You know it’s nothing personal, and the people usually understand.”

The clip then jumps back to her crew becoming increasingly panicked as they realise that Maura is missing.

One asked: “Does anyone have eyes on Maura?

“We can’t find her. She’s gone.”

The new advert is part of a campaign with Uber for St Patrick’s Day.

A relaxing soak in the bathtub is perfect for Maura after being rushed of her feet in recent months – from one project to another.

On Friday, the Irish star pulled out all the stops with her latest incredible outfit as she attended the Women In Film Oscars nominee party.

She made sure all eyes were on her as she stepped out for an A-list party in a strapless dress as she continues her American takeover.

The TV star posed up a storm in her corset style dress at the party to celebrate the Oscars, which take place tomorrow.

Last night’s party is just the latest in a string of glitzy bashes that the Love Island star has been attending as she continues her US domination tour.

The former Islander is currently starring in The Traitors US alongside The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills icon Lisa Rinna, who she was also seen chatting with at the Oscars nominees party.

The show may not have aired in the UK yet, but the Irish star’s quick wit has already made her a fan favourite in the States.

American viewers have also been enjoying watching the chemistry between Maura and Love Island USA star Rob Rausch, 27, play out on Traitors.

Maura was recently asked about their relationship when she appeared on US talk show Watch What Happens Live recently.

Host Andy Cohen told her: “The internet wants you and Rob to get together.” 

Speaking about her close friendship with RHOBH star Lisa, she told Andy: “Lisa helped majorly, majorly.”

Maura added: “Lisa, thank you very much for this!”

Meanwhile, further proof that Maura has cracked the USA, something that British reality stars have found hard to do, is that she has been signed to the top-tier agency Align PR.

Their client roster includes A-list stars like Madonna, 67, Matthew McConaughey, 56, and Bryce Dallas Howard, 45.

Maura has also proved herself to be popular with Hollywood stars.

In March last year, the star revealed that she had been invited to lunch with Margot ­Robbie.

The Barbie actress, 35, is a huge Love Island fan and previously described Maura as one of her favourite contestants.

Maura wrote on Instagram: “When Margot Robbie invites you to lunch . . . you go.” 

BORED of regular hotels? Why not head off on a staycation… to spend the night in a train carriage instead.

Nestled in the West Sussex countryside, you will find a restored vintage train carriage that is stopped in its own ‘station’.

Named the Lowe Comotion, the carriage is in Batchmere, Chichester and sleeps up to four people, with one main bedroom.

Inside, guests will be greeted by vintage decor and quirky train signage that not only makes you feel as if you are stepping onto a long, luxury train journey but also back in time to the golden age of train travel.

There’s a log burner and comfy sofa that transforms into bunk beds as well, to make it truly feel like a first-class experience.

When it comes to having a bite to eat, there is a dining table and chairs by the window, so you can enjoy your food whilst looking out at the view.

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The kitchen has everything you’d need including a kettle, grill, toaster and microwave.

In the middle of the carriage is where you will find the bathroom, complete with a vintage bathtub.

Outside there is a spacious patio with seating too and a barbeque for the summer.

The carriage has to be booked for a minimum stay of two nights and is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend won’t be left out.

It also includes towels and linen, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.

One recent guest said: “A lovely railway carriage with loads of great touches and details.

“Definitely first class. We had a grand time staying here and loved the birdsong as well as the rain on the roof when the weather let us down a bit!

“Woodburner ensured a cosy night was had and would definitely recommend to friends. Lovely private area with space for kids and dog!”

Another guest added: “Wow – what a unique and wonderful place – superbly converted 1870’s railway carriage with so many thoughtful and stylish design details we hardly wanted to go out – but also couldn’t resist the huge private lawn that comes with it – a huge hit with our over excited sheep dog! We were overexcited to sleep in it.

“Never been happier to sit on a train carriage that’s not moving!”

A third guest said: “This place is absolutely stunning! It’s so quirky and one-of-a-kind.

“Our stay here was incredibly peaceful and tranquil, exactly what we needed to unwind and recharge.”

Lowe Comotion costs from £150 per night to stay.

As for the area surrounding the carriage, you can head off on lovely countryside walks or bike rides.

Just nine minutes down the road is West Wittering Beach, which is known for its natural beauty.

The beach has a number of facilities including the Beach Cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat such as a Beach Breakfast with poached eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, beans, potato rosti and toasted brown bloomer for £11.95.

And the beaches at Selsey, East Wittering, and Bracklesham Bay are all close by as well.

If you want to see some of the local nature, then you can head to RSPB Medmerry.

The reserve boasts 6.25miles of trails and features a lot of birdlife including avocets.

If you’ve got kids, jump in the car for 12 minutes to Selsey, where you will find West Sands Fun Fair.

It costs just £15 for unlimited rides on the attractions, which include Waltzers, Dodgems, pedal boats and toddler’s rides.

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I SKULK swiftly through the labyrinth of shrubs. The grass is so tall it strokes my shoulders with each stride.

Fresh dung and paw prints in the sandy pastures point to South Africa’s most famous mammals lurking nearby — but they stay hidden.

Suddenly, among the chorus of bird call, a rustle and a huff from the nearby shrubs sends adrenaline surging through me.

My feet spring into action before my brain, as I pelt in the opposite direction, following the urgent calls of my rifle-carrying guide.

We had found ourselves mere metres from two wild buffalo, part of the elusive Big Five and one of Kruger National Park’s deadliest animals.

In the east of South Africa and arguably the most famous park for safari in the world, Kruger is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

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It’s not been much of a start to its birthday, though.

Severe floods ripped through the plains in the early days of this year, wreaking havoc.

But nature is resilient and the wildlife here always bounces back fast.

That’s in part thanks to the committed rangers, who are continually working on the park’s infrastructure and a fierce anti-poaching programme.

And their work meant my chances of spotting wildlife hadn’t been diminished.

In fact, within 24 hours of checking into Rhino Walking Safaris’ Plains camp, I ticked off the Big Five — lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino and elephants — almost twice over.

Full credit goes to the guides accompanying me, James and Orance, who know precisely how to spot clues, including claw marks on trees, with their hawk-like eyes.

Earlier that day, we had pulled to a halt for a lion sleeping in the road.

He was within touching distance.

Not that you’d risk extending an arm beyond the truck.

You have a greater chance of a lion fleeing than attacking, though.

Guide James tells me the Kruger lions are used to seeing trucks of humans.

They’re still very much wild, but they generally feel safe in our presence, which makes for spectacular observing — that’s if you manage to spot one (more tips on that).

Next it was hippos braving dry land after the blistering heat had subsided, an agile leopard creeping through the long grass, then elephants shaking the last of the green fruit from the branches of a Marula tree.

Smiling broadly, I returned to my luxury safari tent, which featured wooden twin beds, a private bathroom with a shower head that dangles from a tree branch and a large decking area from which you can lazily watch wildlife, beyond the small electric fence.

Rhino Walking Safaris owns a 12,000 hectare private concession within Kruger and its Plains camp is near a popular watering hole, so the chances of spotting creatures even during downtime is high.

Buffalos, a wildebeest named Steve, baboons, and even a duo of young rhinos called by.

With only four tents and no wifi, strangers become friends and you’re wholly immersed in the experience.

The real highlight for me, however, was the morning walks.

A 4.45am alarm may sting, but observing the misty pink sunrise from beyond a buffalo’s resting place makes it all worthwhile.

There’s something magical about safaris on foot, treading the same path as the animal you’re tracking, away from all things man-made and with the exhilaration of imminent danger.

Guides carry rifles, although they’re so knowledgeable about the creatures around us, they’ve never had to fire them.

Morning walks come with snacks and coffee, followed by a brunch feast at camp, a few hours of downtime and high tea.

Then it’s the afternoon game drive with sundowners (in my case a healthy pouring of gin), an 8.30pm three-course dinner back at camp and 10pm stargazing — or bedtime for those whose eyes are too weary.

Exhaustion is combatted by sheer adrenaline, but there are also plenty of less rural camps offering more laid-back itineraries where lazy mornings can be enhanced by spa treatments or dips in the pool.

Mdluli Safari Lodge, on the western periphery of Kruger, has a spectacular infinity pool overlooking a watering hole.

The very large safari tents, of which there are 50, are raised on stilts and come with greater levels of creature comforts such as aircon, plugs in rooms, internet access and a swinging egg chair on the decking.

Choice of game drives is plentiful. You can head out at pretty much any time of day, on short sunset safaris or day-long drives.

We even managed to squeeze in a final early sunrise ride before our transfer to the airport, admiring a mob of dwarf mongoose rustling at the edge of the road.

Before heading home or ahead of your safari, a day in Johannesburg is worthwhile.

Holidaymakers travelling from the UK will fly into this city and it’s a poignant area for delving into South Africa’s troubled past.

June 2026 marks 50 years since the brutal killing of Hector Pieterson, a 12-year-old schoolboy, who was shot by police during the Soweto student uprising.

You can learn all about this tale, and the apartheid regime, on a tuktuk tour with Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers (£35pp, sowetobackpackers.com).

We rolled through modern-day communities and old hostels, before passing Nelson Mandela’s former home, now a museum.

It’s a humbling experience.

Top it with a ride through untrodden pastures with the Big Five for an adventure of a lifetime.

Watching a David Attenborough documentary back in the UK, I feel a little smug.

A TV screen can’t quite capture that magic.

TEN TIPS FOR BUSH HOLS 

1. BRING LOTS OF CLOTHES: You’ll sweat a lot and clothes get grubby on both walks and game drives because of the dust. I often changed outfits twice a day. 

2. EARTHY COLOURS: When you’re in the truck, it really doesn’t matter what you wear – although bring a fleece or jacket, even in summer, as it gets chilly. On walks you should wear neutral, earthy tones like beige, green or brown – no whites or brights. And don’t worry about buying chic or stylish garments for walks; comfort is key. 

3. WAKE UP FOR THE EARLY SAFARIS: Even if you’re knackered and desperate to stay in bed, those early-morning  game drives or walks are some of the most spectacular. This is when a lot of animals come out and some of the sunrises were even more impressive than the sunsets. 

4. IGNORE THE WEATHER FORECAST: The Met Office and BBC Weather forecast rain for every day I was in Kruger. Yet it didn’t rain once. It’s best to come prepared for all eventualities – rain jacket, shorts, trousers and  binoculars. 

5. CASH FOR TIPS: Bring more than you think you’ll need. If you run out of money, it’ll be a struggle to get more and gratuities, although not always expected, are very common. We tipped our guides 200-250 rand per day. You’ll likely want to tip other staff too, such as  cooks, cleaners and waiters.  

6. BRING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT: Worldwide adaptors rarely work in South Africa – the sockets aren’t common. So order one online before you go and make sure to pack a battery pack if you  plan to  use your phone to take pictures and videos.  

7. DON’T SELF-DRIVE: Self-drives are popular in Kruger and do give you a greater level of independence, but if you’re going for the first time, you’ll see heaps more with the help of a guide. These guides are experts and are connected with all the other guides in the area so will be first to hear of a sighting. They live on site so know exactly where certain herds rest. 

8. BRING EARPLUGS: Remember, you’re in the wild, so if you’re a light sleeper, ear plugs are a must. I thought it would be sleep-inducing listening to the hum of animals at night. They were much louder than expected and I was woken up several times by a relentless owl. 

9. DON’T JUST CHASE THE BIG FIVE: Everyone likes to say they’ve seen them, but some of my most magical experiences were with creatures I’d never heard of. Even the trees and flora we spotted were fascinating, as were the birds. 

10. CHOOSE YOUR STAY WISELY: Camps have their own guides – and each guide or ranger varies in skill and expertise. Do your research and try to book a camp where two guides accompany you on safari as opposed to one – double the people means double your chances of spotting wildlife. We’d met people who were yet to spot a single one of the Big Five in a week, but we’d seen them all in a day and that’s thanks to our guides. 

Contradicting his secretary of State and other top officials, President Trump on Saturday suggested without evidence that China — not Russia — may be behind the cyberattack against the United States and tried to downplay its impact.

In his first comments on the breach, Trump scoffed at the focus on the Kremlin and minimized the intrusions, which the nation’s cybersecurity agency has warned posed a “grave” risk to government and private networks.

“The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media than in actuality. I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control,” Trump tweeted. He also claimed the media are “petrified” of “discussing the possibility that it may be China (it may!).”

There is no evidence to suggest that is the case. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said late Friday that Russia was “pretty clearly” behind the attack.

“This was a very significant effort and I think it’s the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity,” he said in the interview with radio talk show host Mark Levin.

Officials at the White House had been prepared to put out a statement Friday afternoon that accused Russia of being “the main actor” in the hack, but were told at the last minute to stand down, according to one U.S. official familiar with the conversations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.

It is not clear whether Pompeo got that message before his interview, but officials are now scrambling to figure out how to square the disparate accounts. The White House did not immediately respond to questions about the statement or the basis of Trump’s claims.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has refused to blame Russia for well-documented hostilities, including its interference in the 2016 election to help him get elected. He blamed his predecessor, Barack Obama, for Russia’s annexation of Crimea, has endorsed allowing Russia to return to the Group of 7 of nations and has never taken the country to task for allegedly putting bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.

Pompeo in the interview said the government was still “unpacking” the cyberattack and some of the details would likely remain classified.

“But suffice it to say there was a significant effort to use a piece of third-party software to essentially embed code inside of U.S. government systems and it now appears systems of private companies and companies and governments across the world as well,” he said.

Though Pompeo was the first Trump administration official to publicly blame Russia for the attacks, cybersecurity experts and other U.S. officials have been clear over the past week that the operation appears to be the work of Russia. There has been no credible suggestion that any other country — including China — is responsible.

Democrats in Congress who have received classified briefings have also affirmed publicly that Russia, which in 2014 hacked the State Department and interfered through hacking in the 2016 presidential election, was behind it.

It’s not clear exactly what the hackers were seeking, but experts say it could include nuclear secrets, blueprints for advanced weaponry, COVID-19 vaccine-related research and information for dossiers on government and industry leaders.

Russia has said it had “nothing to do” with the hacking.

While Trump downplayed the impact of the hacks, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has said it compromised federal agencies as well as “critical infrastructure.” Homeland Security, the agency’s parent department, defines such infrastructure as any “vital” assets to the U.S. or its economy, a broad category that could include power plants and financial institutions.

One U.S. official, speaking Thursday on condition of anonymity, described the hack as severe and extremely damaging.

“This is looking like it’s the worst hacking case in the history of America,” the official said. “They got into everything.”

Trump had been silent on the attacks before Saturday.

Deputy White House Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern told reporters Friday that national security advisor Robert O’Brien has sometimes been leading multiple daily meetings with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence agencies, looking for ways to mitigate the hack.

He would not provide details, “but rest assured we have the best and brightest working hard on it each and every single day.”

The Democratic leaders of four House committees given classified briefings by the administration issued a statement complaining that they “were left with more questions than answers.”

“Administration officials were unwilling to share the full scope of the breach and identities of the victims,” they said.

Pompeo, in the interview with Levin, said Russia was on the list of “folks that want to undermine our way of life, our republic, our basic democratic principles. … You see the news of the day with respect to their efforts in the cyberspace. We’ve seen this for an awfully long time, using asymmetric capabilities to try and put themselves in a place where they can impose costs on the United States.”

What makes this hacking campaign so extraordinary is its scale: 18,000 organizations were infected from March to June by malicious code that piggybacked on popular network-management software from an Austin, Texas, company, SolarWinds.

It’s going to take months to kick elite hackers out of the U.S. government networks they have been quietly rifling through since as far back as March.

Experts say there simply are not enough skilled threat-hunting teams to identify all the government and private-sector systems that may have been hacked. FireEye, the cybersecurity company that discovered the intrusion and was among the victims, has already tallied dozens of casualties. It’s racing to identify more.

Many federal workers — and others in the private sector — must presume that unclassified networks are teeming with spies. Agencies will be more inclined to conduct sensitive government business on Signal, WhatsApp and other encrypted smartphone apps.

“We should buckle up. This will be a long ride,” said Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder and former chief technical officer of the leading cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. “Cleanup is just Phase 1.”

Florida became the first state to acknowledge falling victim to a SolarWinds hack. Officials told the Associated Press that hackers apparently infiltrated the state’s healthcare administration agency and others.

SolarWinds’ customers include most Fortune 500 companies, and its U.S. government clients are rich with generals and spymasters.

If the hackers are indeed from Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence agency, as experts believe, their resistance may be tenacious. When they hacked the White House, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the State Department in 2014 and 2015 “it was a nightmare to get them out,” Alperovitch said.

The Pentagon has said it has so far not detected any intrusions from the SolarWinds campaign in any of its networks — classified or unclassified.

PHOENIX — A three-time World Series champion, Dodgers utilityman Kiké Hernández has had his fair share of clutch hits, home runs and game-saving, series-defining moments that will forever be etched in baseball lore.

Earlier this month, however, he witnessed something new.

On March 7, hours after Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies hit the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic history to power Team Netherlands past Nicaragua in Miami, Athletics prospect Darell Hernaiz delivered a game-winning blast of his own to lift Team Puerto Rico over Panama in extra innings in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Hernández stormed out of the dugout at Hiram Bithorn Stadium alongside his teammates to greet Hernaiz at home plate and celebrate the monumental moon shot.

“There had never been a walk-off homer in the history of the WBC, and we [got] to see two in the same day, which was pretty cool,” Hernández said at his clubhouse stall at Camelback Ranch. “For me personally, I was running to home plate, conscious that I wasn’t necessarily part of the team so I couldn’t run laps around home plate, like I did on Freddie [Freeman’s] walk-off homers [in the World Series], but it’s still up there as one of those really cool moments that I’ll always remember.”

Unable to participate in this year’s WBC as he recovers from offseason left elbow surgery, Hernández left Dodgers camp to spend the first leg of the tournament with Team Puerto Rico.

“I got to experience it in a different way this year,” said Hernández, who has played twice in the WBC. “I was just kind of there as a fan, almost in like a coaching role. I get a lot more nervous when I’m not playing, because I really don’t have any power over it. I don’t have any control over what’s going on, so it was pretty nerve-wracking.”

He added: “Obviously, seeing that stadium packed out was pretty special. And of course, I’m still bummed that I don’t get to be a part of it, but I still support my people, and I’m still hoping they can win.”

During a Team Puerto Rico news conference last week, Hernández told reporters in Spanish that the WBC rates above the World Series. Hernández, who’s played in five World Series, elaborated on his statement.

“I said it feels bigger,” Hernández said. “I didn’t say it’s bigger. Atmosphere, crowd, you’re representing your country. You’re not representing a city. You don’t always choose who you play for. Sometimes that’s out of your control and you know, when you’re representing your country, you’re playing along with your homies. Sometimes you’re playing along with people that you grew up with. Your people back home are rooting for you, at times.

“You’re playing in the United States, you’re playing for different teams, and sometimes they’re rooting against you. And for us, coming from our little island, the things that we can do for our island while the tournament is going on, it becomes a lot bigger than baseball, to where, it does not always feel that way when you’re playing for an organization in Major League Baseball.”

Hernández will be in Houston for Puerto Rico’s quarterfinal game against Italy on Saturday, and he said he doesn’t know if he would go to Miami if Puerto Rico reached the semifinals.

“I haven’t had the conversation yet with Andrew,” Hernández said, referring to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “I only asked permission to go to Houston. We win in Houston, he might get another text message if I can go along for the ride, but haven’t decided yet.”

As for his rehab from surgery, Hernández said he’s progressing rapidly and hopes to return in late May, when his 60-day IL stint expires.

“I’m not surprised that it’s going well,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “End of May, beginning of June is probably a safe bet. Something like that.”

CCTV shows the moment a car hits a Muslim woman in broad daylight in southeast London before the driver speeds away. The woman survived, and an investigation is ongoing, but no suspects have been arrested yet.

U.S. President Donald Trump says there “will be no deal” with Iran unless it surrenders unconditionally, a day after Iran’s Foreign Minister said the country was prepared to stand up to a ground invasion. Trump has also said that any new leadership of the country would have to be “acceptable” to the United States. This follows what has now been seven days of heavy U.S.-Israeli bombardment, including a new major wave of strikes by Israel targeting Iranian leadership in Tehran overnight.

You can catch up with our past coverage of ongoing operations against Iran here. Latest updates on the war are down the page of this article.

Trump’s statement was made via a post on his Truth Social social media network.

“There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!,” he wrote. “After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).”

Trump has increasingly talked about changing the regime in Tehran in recent days, and his desire to be personally involved in that process. This comes despite pushback from other U.S. officials about regime change being an explicit goal of what has been dubbed Operation Epic Fury.

“We want to go in and clean out everything,” Trump told NBC News in a phone call on Thursday. “We don’t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period.”

“We want them to have a good leader,” the president added. “We have some people who I think would do a good job.” 

Trump declined to offer any names, but said he was taking steps to make sure the people on his list make it through the war alive.

Trump acknowledged that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is the most likely successor, but finds that outcome unacceptable and insists he play a role in determining Iran’s next leader, Axios reported.

“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump told Axios. “I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy in Venezuela.”

Trump was referring to the Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who took over after the capture of dictator Nicolas Maduro in a dramatic U.S. operation in January.

Trump had also called for Iran’s unconditional surrender during the 12 Day War between Israel and Iran last year, before helping broker a ceasefire agreement between the parties.

Before Trump made his unconditional surrender demand, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), laid out how destructive Epic Fury has been to Iran’s military.

“Over the last 24 hours of the operation, compared to where we were at the start, ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90%, drone attacks have decreased by 83% since day one,” he told reporters, including from The War Zone, during a press conference at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday evening. Cooper added that these attacks have also wiped out a large chunk of Iran’s Navy, destroying 20 ships so far.

Overnight, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it carried out a massive 50-jet raid on Tehran, targeting an underground bunker complex intended for use by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top leaders. Khamenei was killed elsewhere in the opening phase of what the IDF called Operation Roaring Lion.

The bunker “spanned multiple streets in the heart of Tehran and contained numerous entrances and meeting rooms” for senior Iranian leaders, the IDF explained. It was intended to be used by Khamenei as “a secure emergency command center,” but after his death, “the compound continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials,” the IDF claimed.

The “senior commander” targeted by these Israeli air strikes was Asghar Hijazi, Times of Israel military correspondent Emanuel “Mannie” Fabian reported on X, citing Israeli defense sources.

“Hijazi is said to be the acting head of the supreme leader’s office, following the killing of Ali Khamenei,” Fabian added.

Videos emerging from Tehran showed multiple explosions and ensuing fireballs rising in the distance. Local residents described the attack as “the worst, strongest, and most horrifying ever.”

For their part, Iranian officials have been publicly rejecting the possibility of new talks and/or a ceasefire with the United States and Israel amid the ongoing conflict. Iran’s Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi also said yesterday that his country was prepared for a ground invasion.

“Relying on its defensive capabilities and the support of the Iranian nation, the Islamic Republic defends the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity within the framework of its inherent right to legitimate self-defense and will respond decisively to any aggressive act,” Araghchi told his Cuban counterpart today.

Significant pressure is clearly being put on the regime in Tehran to capitulate, at least to some degree. Top Iranian leadership figures are being actively targeted, as are individuals who could step in to fill the resulting voids. What the U.S. government, as well as its Israeli allies, may actually be willing to accept in order to bring the conflict to an end remains to be seen.

We have concluded our rolling coverage in this piece.

UPDATE: 5:33 PM EST –

After a meeting with major defense contractors called as the U.S. continues to burn through munitions during Epic Fury, Trump said they were boosting weapons production.

“They have agreed to quadruple Production of the ‘Exquisite Class’ Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity,” the president proclaimed. “Expansion began three months prior to the meeting, and Plants and Production of many of these Weapons are already under way.”

In his post, Trump again asserted that there is “a virtually unlimited supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela. Regardless, however, we have also increased Orders at these levels.”

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach posted a message on X praising airmen for their efforts during Epic Fury.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said “tonight will be our biggest bombing campaign” against Iran.

“We will do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers and the factories that built them.”

INTERESTING: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Iran:

Tonight will be our biggest bombing campaign.

We will do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers and the factories that build the missiles. pic.twitter.com/zCYvaytdeC

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026

UPDATE: 4:31 PM EST –

Videos have emerged on social media claiming to show attacks across Iraq.

Some purport to show an attack on Camp Victory, a facility housing U.S. forces near Baghdad’s international airport. You can see explosions followed by fireballs and smoke in the video. It is not clear who is attacking.

🇮🇶🇮🇷🇺🇲‼️ FEROZ BOMBARDEO IRANÍ: REPORTAN QUE LA BASE CAMPO VICTORIA (EEUU) EN BAGHDAD ESTARÍA EN LLAMAS POR ATAQUE CON 2 MISILES Y DRONES pic.twitter.com/a7VAMWrBpv

— (FRAPP) ANTIFASCISTA #AntiKast #OrgullosoDel42% (@Informa3Chile) March 6, 2026

Another video shows a claimed strike by U.S. helicopters on an Iranian-backed militia group in Mosul. We cannot independently confirm any of these claims and have reached out to CENTCOM for more information.

US helicopters struck at least twice a Kataeb Seyyed a-Shuhadaa’ HQ in al-Rashidiya, Mosul, tonight. KSS is an Iranian-backed militia that has carried out attacks against Iraqi Kurdistan & US interests in Iraq under the facade group Awliyaa’ a-Damm. pic.twitter.com/JdG9u5nqWt

— Elizabeth Tsurkov (@LizHurra) March 6, 2026

There is also a video claiming to depict an Iranian drone strike on energy facilities in Basra.

Iranian drone strikes hit energy infrastructure in Burjesia/Basra, including a Baker Hughes facility, the Rumaila oil field, and Basra airport. pic.twitter.com/CeeHpKKFSk

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026

The IRGC offered a threatening response to Trump’s order to have U.S. Navy vessels escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has previously claimed it had shut down the Strait, and the IRGC said it welcomes these escorts, with a reference to the American supertanker Bridgeton, which hit a mine in the Persian Gulf while being escorted by U.S. Navy warships in 1987. That incident took place in the so-called “Tanker War” that took place during the Iran-Iraq War.

IRGC Spox:

Iran strongly welcomes US’ willingness to escort oil tankers and the claim of the presence of US forces for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and in fact, the IRGC is waiting for their presence.

IRGC says it recommends that before making any decision, the… pic.twitter.com/sPTYBdDTKQ

— Arya – آریا (@AryJeay) March 6, 2026

Amid all the turmoil, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and is now in the Mediterranean.

France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has passed through Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea and is moving toward the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/TCK9Wuv5i6

— Defense Intelligence (@DI313_) March 6, 2026

UPDATE: 3:32 PM EST –

CENTCOM released its latest Epic Fury graphic update showing targets hit and assets deployed. So far, more than 3,000 targets have been hit, including 43 Iranian ships that have been destroyed or damaged, according to the command.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has transited the Suez Canal and is now in the Red Sea, according to the Navy. Images posted on the Pentagon’s video and image distribution site show the carrier and one of its escorts, the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge in the canal.

A Chinese satellite image emerged of the Ford and two of its escorts crossing through the canal. This move makes sense considering that the ballistic missile threat against Israel that the carrier strike group was helping defend against has diminished. Being in the Red Sea would provide assets needed to defend against any attacks from the Houthis of Yemen should that Iranian proxy decide to get into the fight.

The Pentagon also released photos of B-52 Stratofortress bombers that took part in Epic Fury.

There are claims that Iran struck a Patriot air defense site in the UAE, however we cannot confirm this. We reached out to CENTCOM for more details.

UPDATE: 2:18 PM EST –

Israel estimates that “Azerbaijan will soon attack Iran,” Israel’s Kan News reported. 

“There may be other countries to join action against Iran and its interests in the region,” the outlet noted.

These claims come days after Azerbaijani officials vowed they would retaliate for an Iranian drone strike on their territory that wounded four people.

We cannot confirm that, however, video emerged earlier today showing Azerbaijani military equipment being moved closer to that nation’s border with Iraq.

The U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) issued its latest update on operations in the Middle East.

Iran’s intelligence ministry said on Thursday that “separatist terrorist groups” planned to enter the country from its western borders and carry out attacks in urban and border areas, taking advantage of wartime conditions, Iran International reported. “A joint preemptive operation by the intelligence ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps destroyed a significant portion of the groups’ positions and capabilities and inflicted heavy losses,” the ministry said in a statement.

UPDATE 1:07 PM EST –

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered an explanation of what Trump means by his unconditional surrender demand on Iran.

“When Trump, as Commander in Chief, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the US and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves or not,” she explained.

Karoline Leavitt on Iran:

When Trump, as Commander in Chief, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the US and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves… pic.twitter.com/RMQpAJxx4E

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026

The Army in recent days abruptly canceled a major training exercise for the headquarters element of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, according to The Washington Post. 

“This is fueling speculation within the Defense Department that soldiers specializing in ground combat and a range of other missions may be sent to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran widens,” the publication posited.

SCOOP: The Army in recent days canceled a training exercise for the headquarters element of the 82nd Airborne Division, fueling speculation among soldiers that they may be called upon for a still undefined mission as the war with Iran widens.

— Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) March 6, 2026

Ukraine is in talks with the U.S. and Gulf allies about replicating Kyiv’s acoustic detection network to counter Iranian attack drones, Financial Times is reporting, citing people familiar with the matter. Consisting of thousands of acoustic sensors across Ukraine, this system helps detect and track incoming Russian kamikaze drones, alert traditional air defenses in advance, and also dispatch ad hoc drone hunting teams to shoot them down.

In 2024, we reported that the U.S. Army was considering acquiring this system.

New: Ukraine is in talks with the US and several Gulf states about replicating Kyiv’s acoustic detection network to counter Iranian attack drones, according to people familiar with the matter.
w/ @fabrice_deprez https://t.co/ME2ErGPq8X

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 6, 2026

Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, posted a message on X honoring six soldiers killed in Kuwait by an Iranian drone on March 1.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of six American heroes from the 103rd Sustainment Command U.S. Army Reserves out of Des Moines, Iowa,” Caine noted. “Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, Captain Cody A. Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, and Sergeant Declan J. Coady.”

A message from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine:

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of six American heroes from the 103rd Sustainment Command U.S. Army Reserves out of Des Moines, Iowa: Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, Captain Cody A. Khork,…

— The Joint Staff 🇺🇸 (@thejointstaff) March 6, 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Arab foreign ministers in a series of phone calls Thursday that the war is expected to last several more weeks, Axios is reporting, citing “sources with direct knowledge of the conversations.”

Rubio said the current military focus is on Iran’s missile launchers, stockpiles and factories, the outlet reported, adding that the secretary “told the ministers the U.S. goal is not regime change — while simultaneously making clear Washington wants different people running the country.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Arab foreign ministers in calls Thursday that the war with Iran is expected to last several more weeks, according to sources familiar with the conversations. Rubio said the current military focus is on Iran’s missile launchers, stockpiles…

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 6, 2026

At least one B-1B Lancer bomber landed at RAF Fairford in the U.K. today. This is part of an ongoing buildup of U.S. forces as Epic Fury drags on.

UPDATE: 12:58 PM EST –

“The Iranian terrorist regime has attacked 12 different countries and continues to deliberately target civilians through the Middle East,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper has said in a new statement. “Last night, Iranian forces fired seven attack drones at civilian, residential neighborhoods in Bahrain. This is unacceptable and will not go unanswered. We will continue work with regional partners to address this threat to innocent people across the region.”

There are as-yet unconfirmed reports that U.S. B-1 bombers are headed to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, and that they will begin flying strikes on Iran from that base. In a press conference late yesterday, Secretary Pete Hegseth and Adm. Cooper both talked about the continued flow of U.S. forces, including bombers, to support Operation Epic Fury.

USAF B-1B bombers from Dyess AFB are expected to deploy to RAF Fairford in the near term.

Their arrival would significantly increase the tempo of long-range strike operations against targets in Iran. The B-1B carries one of the largest conventional payloads in the U.S. arsenal,…

— GMI (@Global_Mil_Info) March 6, 2026

Restricted airspace around RAF Fairford for the next month (at least) shows the USAF will be deploying bombers to the airfield shortly. Note: NOTAMs are on the www. Credit JS below. https://t.co/i0qiHSGs0m

— Saint1 (@Saint1Mil) March 6, 2026

French authorities have denied that U.S. aircraft are using bases in the country to support operations over Iran, but are instead operating from them to aid in “the defense of our partners in the region.”

✖️No U.S. assets deployed on French bases in the Middle East.

✔️Yes: U.S. assets accepted on Istres Airbase (France) as part of a routine NATO procedure. They are not involved in U.S. operations in Iran but strictly supporting the defense of our partners in the region. https://t.co/NcZ1TyWc8z

— French Response (@FrenchResponse) March 6, 2026

It has now been reported that the U.S. Navy submarine that torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean was the Los Angeles class USS Charlotte. Separately, another Iranian ship has now sought refuge in India. This is in addition to the IRIS Bushehr, which is now impounded in Sri Lanka.

7th Fleet Los Angeles-class fast-attack sub USS Charlotte (SSN 766) fired the single Mk 48 torpedo that sunk Iranian frigate IRIS Dena (75), @JimLaPorta reports.

One of 30+ Iranian vessels destroyed this week and the first enemy ship sunk by a U.S. sub since WW2. Periscope view: pic.twitter.com/gAGc9I7BjY

— Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) March 6, 2026

BREAKING: Iranian Navy warship IRIS Lavan docked in Kochi with its 183 member crew on March 4, the same day that IRIS Dena was torpedoed. The ship had requested accommodation on Feb 28 and received permission on March 1. The crew is being accommodated in Indian Navy facilities. pic.twitter.com/yLVwPvu54L

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 6, 2026

Breaking

First pictures of Iran vessel IRINS Bushehr.

The vessel requested entry into Sri Lankan waters on March 4 citing mechanical issues, hours after U.S. forces sank companion vessel IRIS Dena off Galle, killing almost 100 Iran sailors https://t.co/T1wF2qvz2I pic.twitter.com/13ljHDPTn7

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 6, 2026

The satellite image below is said to show the aftermath of an attack on an Iranian underground ballistic missile facility.

The video below is said to show an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, though it is currently unconfirmed.

Video footage purported to show an Iranian ballistic missile strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, with the missile impacting very close to several U.S. servicemembers, thankfully said to have resulted in only minor injuries to personnel at Prince Sultan. pic.twitter.com/Nlju8TCZ22

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 6, 2026

Pictures and videos showing Iranian ballistic missiles with cluster munition payloads being employed continue to appear online. Images of the submunitions themselves have also now been emerging following the use of these missiles.

The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) says the country’s forces intercepted another nine ballistic missiles and 109 drones fired by Iran today. UAE authorities say they have now intercepted 190 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles, and 1,110 drones since the conflict began.

UAE air defences intercept 9 ballistic missiles, 109 drones

The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that the country’s air defence systems detected 9 ballistic missiles today (6th March 2026), all of which were intercepted and destroyed.

The ministry also reported the detection… pic.twitter.com/E9WHz7AEpC

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 6, 2026

MS NOW‘s “Morning Joe” is reporting that authorities in the UAE have now frozen billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the country.

BREAKING NEWS: #morningjoe has learned that the UAE has frozen billions of dollars in Iranian assets. The move will likely have crippling effects on an already weakened Iranian economy. https://t.co/Da41RisQqY

— Joe Scarborough (@ScarboroughNow) March 6, 2026

What is said to be the first U.S. State Department-facilitated evacuation flight from Israel has arrived in Greece, according to JewishInsider.

New from me: The first State Department evacuation flight from Israel landed in Athens on Friday afternoon, where its passengers were greeted on the tarmac by U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kim Guilfoyle.https://t.co/ICBx7NpaHH

— Haley Cohen (@HaleyCohen19) March 6, 2026

UPDATE: 12:10 PM EST –

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has now released a video showing a strike on the Iranian ‘drone carrier’ Shahid Bagheri, an unusual ship you can read more about here. At a press conference late yesterday, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, said an unnamed “Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier” had been targeted in “just the last few hours.” In a post on X on March 2 denying claims of an attack on a U.S. carrier, CENTCOM said “the only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri.” It remains unclear whether the Shahid Bagheri was struck multiple times.

U.S. forces aren’t holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire. pic.twitter.com/WyA4fniZck

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026

A video clip, taken from the shore, has now also emerged that is said to show the Shahid Bagheri on fire following a strike. The U.S. military has made clear that the destruction of Iran’s naval capabilities is a core objective of Operation Epic Fury.

U.S. Central Command continues to release other footage from ongoing strikes on targets in Iran.

Iranian targets are being decimated by U.S. forces, paving the way for continued delivery of overwhelming American military firepower. pic.twitter.com/wQUER9cXWw

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026

Satellite imagery shows runways have cratered at Iran’s Hamadan and Dezful Air Bases in the course of ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes.

The runways and taxiways at Hamadan Airbase were bombed on March 4. The airbase is probably out of service until they are repaired.

Thanks to our friends @planet for the imagery! pic.twitter.com/ZdoCQUthTQ

— Michael Duitsman (@DuitsmanMS) March 6, 2026

Online flight tracking software indicates that additional U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tankers have deployed to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. U.S. officials have now repeatedly said that additional forces are still heading to the region. A U.S. tanker force had already been positioned at Ben Gurion in the lead-up to the current conflict.

More Tankers on the way! #FreeIran
— Operation EPIC FURY / ROARING LION —

At least 6 more tanker aircraft have left the US heading towards the Middle East overnight, comprising:

KC-135R “RCH240” 63-8043 #AE05AD
KC-135R “RCH169” 63-8017 #AE07C1
KC-135R “RCH177” 57-2599… pic.twitter.com/temJeBJ1l5

— DefenceGeek 🇬🇧 (@DefenceGeek) March 6, 2026

✈️⛽️ Additional USAF Tankers (6) heading to Ben Gurion airport/airbase, Tel Aviv.

There were around 30 of them already parked there yesterday. Their role is to refuel different fighter jets in the region attacking Iran. pic.twitter.com/YJ6yBr6mRJ

— MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) March 6, 2026

The Israel Defense Forces have shared a video taken in the cockpit of a fighter flying over Iran.

The Israeli Air Force publishes footage from the cockpit of IAF fighter jets flying over Iran.

“We continue to fight, as required around the clock, and feel your support all the time. We wish you, Israeli citizens, a safe and quiet Shabbat,” a pilot is heard saying in a… pic.twitter.com/cvljwuAJ02

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 6, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Lammy has said the country would be within its rights to take “defensive action” in response to Iranian threats, including taking “down sites [Iran] that are anticipating attacking our people.” There are no indications that British forces have struck targets in Iran yet.

Publicly available data continues to show a decline in the number of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones launched in retaliatory attacks over the course of the conflict so far.

Day 8 👇

Iran Missile launches during the first 8 days of conflict:

🚀 Ballistic Missiles:
🔴 Day 1 — 350
🔴 Day 2 — 175
🔴 Day 3 — 120
🔴 Day 4 — 50
🔴 Day 5 — 40
🔴 Day 6 — 32
🔴 Day 7 — 28
🔴 Day 8 — 15

🛸 Drone Swarms:
🟢 Day 1 — 294
🟢 Day 2 — 541
🟢 Day 3 — 200
🟢 Day 4… pic.twitter.com/SmSk8dWkWL

— World Insights (@World_Insights1) March 6, 2026

CBS News has reported that quadcopter-type drones may have conducted surveillance of U.S. facilities in Kuwait ahead of an attack that killed six American servicemembers.

Iranian intelligence utilized various means to track service members after they left the base.

➡️ In anticipation of the offensive and expected retaliation to include strikes on Camp Arifjan, the Tactical Ops Center (TOC) was moved to the same facility at the port used during… https://t.co/R8VcPGIESm

— TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) March 6, 2026

Qatari authorities say an Iranian attack struck facilities housing its naval personnel in Bahrain.

Qatar Condemns Iranian Attack on Buildings in Bahrain Housing Qatari Amiri Naval Forces Personnel

Doha | March 06, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns, in the strongest terms, the Iranian attack that targeted buildings in various areas of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain housing… pic.twitter.com/9Zd8lihCEi

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 6, 2026

The Washington Post has reported that Russia may be providing Iran with information to help with targeting American forces in the Middle East, citing unnamed officials.

Exclusive: Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack American forces in the Middle East, the first indication that another major U.S. adversary is participating — even indirectly — in the war. https://t.co/SfBeKxq7zC

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 6, 2026

The video below is said to show the remains of an Iranian ballistic missile and its transporter-erector-launcher inside a structure following a strike.

A ballistic missile launcher concealed inside a hay storage site was struck today by U.S. and Israeli aircraft.

The boy who filmed the aftermath wrote: “It doesn’t matter where the launchers are, the Americans and Israelis will find them and target them heavily. Kudos to them.” pic.twitter.com/swI0PvEH6a

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 6, 2026

The videos below are said to show strikes on targets in the Iranian city of Ilam.

The satellite imagery below is said to show the aftermath of Iranian attacks earlier this week on facilities in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

🇦🇪 Satellite images of oil facilities in Fujairah, UAE.

❗️UAE is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the country and possibly seizing Iranian ships, – WSJ

🇶🇦 Qatar says the ongoing war could force Gulf countries to stop energy exports if it… pic.twitter.com/K5U49eikL0

— MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) March 6, 2026

South Korea’s Chosun newspaper has reported that 1,000 guidance kits for Paveway-series laser-guided bombs were moved from storage at Osan Air Base in December, possibly in support of preparation for Operation Epic Fury. However, the sourcing for the story is unclear, and it says that officials in the country have declined to comment.

The U.S. moved 1,000+ Paveway guided-bomb kits from Osan Air Base to the U.S. in Dec 2025, possibly later used in strikes on Iran.

Seoul says the transfer happened without prior consultation.

Source: Chosun pic.twitter.com/s4GvYprgmn

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026

South Korean media outlets are also reporting that the Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile system, which is in service in the UAE, has made its combat debut, citing members of the country’s National Assembly and unnamed military officials.

S Korea’s Cheong-Gung air defense system in service since 2015.

It made its combat debut with UAE air defense forces, successfully intercepting several Iranian ballistic missiles on 3 March 2026. pic.twitter.com/OT3Pzj1UVk

— Christopher Wipper (@SGTWipper1Each) March 5, 2026

Pro-Iranian Iraqi militants claim to have launched kamikaze drones aimed at Jordanian military bases.

#USA / #Iraq / #Jordan 🇺🇸🇮🇶🇯🇴: Iraqi group “Rijal Al-Bas Al-Shadid” (Men of Great Strength) carried out attacks on Jordanian military bases.

Group seemingly launched several #Iran-made 🇮🇷 X-Tail “Shahed-101” Kamikaze Drones (OWA-UAVs) towards Jordan. pic.twitter.com/QT2ERJ7IJL

— War Noir (@war_noir) March 6, 2026

There are reports that ships continue to come under attack in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime traffic through this highly strategic waterway continues to be at a virtual standstill due to the ongoing conflict.

While MOST vessels are waiting out the situation at the Strait of Hormuz, the Cook Islands flagged bitumen tanker PUSHPAK just sailed right through with AIS active. pic.twitter.com/FHiP76R8E9

— TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) March 5, 2026

Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al Kaabi has warned that all Gulf energy producers could halt production “within weeks and drive oil to $150 a barrel” if the ongoing conflict continues unabated in an interview with the Financial Times newspaper. Some oil fields are already cutting back production as available storage capacity in the country fills up as exports slow, according to The Wall Street Journal.

“Qatar expects all Gulf energy producers to shut ​down exports within weeks and drive ‌oil to $150 a barrel, the country’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times in an ​interview published on Friday.
“Everybody that has ​not called for force majeure we expect…

— Amena Bakr (@Amena__Bakr) March 6, 2026

Kuwait has begun cutting oil output at some fields after storage tanks filled up due to disruptions to exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

The country may soon reduce production further to levels needed only for domestic use.

Source: WSJ pic.twitter.com/iFDm3bQpCE

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026

The U.S. government is reportedly easing sanctions on Russian oil exports to India amid disruption in global markets as a result of ongoing operations against Iran, the Financial Times has also reported.

The US is temporarily easing sanctions on Russian oil sales to India to address supply shortages and reduce the impact of the surge in prices in the wake of US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The decision to ease sanctions represents a major shift in policy:https://t.co/v5X5lhptE4

— max seddon (@maxseddon) March 6, 2026

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has issued a new alert saying U.S. nationals are “strongly encouraged to depart as soon as they are safely able to do so” and advising them to use overland routes given regional airspace closures. The Embassy has suspended regular consular services.

Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq – March 6, 2026 – Update 1
Location: Iraq
Event
The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share information you need to make informed decisions about your security. The U.S. government is assessing all options to… pic.twitter.com/MbEhCFSmGj

— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) March 6, 2026

The Japan Self-Defense Forces will deploy a transport aircraft to the Republic of Maldives in the Indian Ocean as part of an effort to aid Japanese nationals in departing the Middle East.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that, with regard to supporting the departure of Japanese nationals, transportation for those staying in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will be carried out sequentially starting as early as tomorrow onward. In light of this, the Ministry of Defense is proceeding with preparations for the Self-Defense Forces as a precaution, in preparation for unforeseen circumstances such as the inability to operate civilian charter flights,” Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi wrote on X, according to a machine translation of the post below. “The one Air Self-Defense Force transport aircraft moving to and positioning in the Republic of Maldives will be operated by pilots, maintenance personnel, and others from the Air Support Command (the Air Self-Defense Force unit that conducts air transport of supplies and air traffic control), with medical officers also on board.”

中東情勢が緊迫の度合いを高めている中、本日（6日）、外務大臣から私宛に自衛隊法84条の4に基づく邦人輸送のための準備行為依頼がありました。これを受け、私から統合作戦司令官に対し、自衛隊の輸送機をモルディブ共和国まで移動・待機させることを命じました。… https://t.co/bxmFSbbR47

— 小泉進次郎 (@shinjirokoiz) March 6, 2026

Sri Lankan authorities have released a video showing Iranian sailors from the frigate IRIS Dena being rescued after it was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean earlier this week.

New video released by the Sri Lankan navy shows Iranian sailors being rescued after a US submarine attack sank their ship in international waters. pic.twitter.com/LnbsLxlMWB

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 6, 2026

Reuters has reported that U.S. officials are increasingly of the view that American forces were responsible for a strike on a primary school for girls in Mindab, Iran, but that the investigation is ongoing. Iranian officials have said that 150 students died as a result. The school directly abuts an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility in Mindab, which is believed to have been the target of the strike.

The girls’ school in Minab, in southern Iran, was hit on Saturday during the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country. Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said the strike killed 150 students. Reuters could not independently confirm the death toll.

— Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) March 6, 2026

At a presser Wed morning, SecDef Pete Hegseth said that the U.S. investigating. “”All I know, all I can say, is that we’re investigating that,” Hegseth said. “We, of course, never target civilian targets.”

The Pentagon has not yet responded to an additional request for comment.

— Geoff Brumfiel (@gbrumfiel) March 4, 2026

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com

MOTORHEAD guitarist, Phil Campbell, has died aged 64.

His family said that he died following “a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex operation”.

In a heartbreaking statement, his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.

“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as “Bampi.”

“He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.

“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”

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The tribute was posted online by Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, a band featuring Phil and his three sons Todd, Dane and Tyla.

The family band were forced to cancel an Australian tour in February due to “medical advice Phil has just received”.

Campbell joined Motorhead in 1984 before they disbanded in 2015 following the death of front man Lemmy, who died in 2015, aged 70.

His studio debut came with the release of Motorhead’s Orgasmatron in 1986.

In 2019, he released his first solo album, Old Lions Still Roar.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

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This article from the Occasional Digest describes the cultural significance and history of Summer Day, a traditional pagan festival celebrated annually in Albania on March 14th. Originating in the Elbasan region, the holiday honors a nature goddess and marks the transition from winter to spring. The text explains that the date shifted due to calendar changes and highlights the modern practice of eating ballokume, a specific type of cornflour biscuit. Although the festival has ancient roots, it has officially been recognized as a national public holiday since 2004. Additionally, the source provides a snapshot of global news headlines ranging from geopolitical conflicts to sports and entertainment. … 

Singapore Airlines holds the record for the world’s longest flight

The world’s longest flight connects America to Asia, with travellers spending nearly 19 hours in the air. Singapore Airlines currently holds the record for the longest long-haul route, operating between New York’s JFK Airport and Singapore Changi.

Covering an impressive 9,537 miles, the mammoth journey takes 18 hours and 50 minutes and has been running since the airline launched it in 2018. Singapore Airlines deploys its latest Airbus A350-900ULR on the route, an aircraft engineered to remain airborne for more than 20 hours without needing to refuel.

The aircraft achieves these remarkable flight times thanks to an enhanced fuel system, which increases the plane’s total fuel capacity to an extraordinary 24,000 litres.

However, the service isn’t available to all travellers, as Singapore Airlines has removed economy class from this particular route. Instead, the airline offers 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats.

Premium Economy travellers can enjoy extra legroom, a footrest, and an adjustable headrest. They’re also given noise-cancelling headphones and WiFi throughout their flight, reports the Express.

Those flying in Business class enjoy maximum privacy, with their seats converting into fully flat beds for a proper sleep whilst airborne. The aircraft features a host of premium amenities including higher ceilings, larger windows and bespoke lighting designed to reduce jetlag.

The carrier maintains that the aircraft’s cutting-edge carbon composite airframe also delivers exceptional air quality.

Those hoping to book a seat will require substantial funds, as fares routinely reach well into five figures. Singapore Airlines’ Chief Executive, Mr Goh Choon Phong, has previously described the new route as the “fastest way” to journey between the two major cities.

He stated: “Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR.

“The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities – in great comfort, together with Singapore Airlines’ legendary service – and will help boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub.”

Whilst Singapore Airlines’ aircraft is undoubtedly remarkable, the world’s largest plane remains the Antonov An-225 Mriya, capable of transporting “52 mature elephants”.