BARCELONA, Spain — A 20-year-old University of Alabama junior from Elmhurst, Illinois, has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17, 2026, after a night out visiting friends studying abroad, his family said Wednesday, pleading for public help as Spanish police investigate and suspect foul play.

James Paul Gracey, known as “Jimmy,” was last seen around 3 a.m. local time outside Shoko, a popular nightclub and restaurant in the Villa Olímpica area near Port Olímpic on Barceloneta Beach, a tourist-heavy waterfront zone. He was visiting Theta Chi fraternity brothers from the University of Alabama who are on study-abroad programs in the city during spring break.

Gracey never returned to the Airbnb where he was staying with friends. One companion left the venue earlier, but Gracey stayed behind and failed to rejoin the group, relatives said. His family reported him missing later that day after growing concerned.

Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, recovered Gracey’s cellphone, which was found during the arrest of an unrelated individual, according to family statements and local reports. Authorities have reviewed security footage from the club showing Gracey leaving with someone else, a detail that has heightened suspicions of foul play, a Barcelona journalist told U.S. outlets.

The area around Port Olímpic is known for nightlife but has seen reports of petty crime and occasional incidents targeting tourists, though no direct link has been confirmed in this case. Police have launched searches, including at sea, amid concerns over Gracey’s safety.

Gracey, a Chicago-area native and graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep, is described by family and friends as responsible, faith-oriented and outgoing. As chaplain of his Theta Chi chapter’s executive board, he mentored younger members on spiritual matters and served as philanthropy chairman, organizing community service efforts.

Fraternity brother Cavin McLay, also in Barcelona on the trip, told WVTM 13 that Gracey is “one of his best friends” since freshman year. “He’s a great person, a great guy, a man of outstanding character,” McLay said. “He’s one of those people that’s there for anyone when they need it.” McLay expressed fear for his friend’s safety while remaining hopeful, noting the group’s close collaboration with authorities.

Gracey was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. His family released photos from the night, showing him smiling in casual attire, to aid identification.

The Gracey family issued a statement expressing deep concern: “Our family is deeply concerned about James ‘Jimmy’ Gracey, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17. Jimmy is a 20-year-old University of Alabama student visiting friends abroad during spring break. He was last seen around 3:00 a.m. CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area.”

They added that the disappearance is “completely out of character” for Jimmy, who was scheduled to fly home March 21. Uncle David Gracey, a CNN producer, told media the family is working closely with Spanish authorities, the U.S. Embassy in Barcelona, the State Department and Sen. Katie Britt’s office.

The University of Alabama confirmed Gracey was on a personal trip, not university-sponsored, and said staff are in contact with the family to provide support. “UA staff are in touch with the family and those associated with them to offer support and assistance in any way possible,” a university statement read.

Authorities have not released details on suspects or motives, and no criminal involvement has been publicly confirmed beyond the foul-play suspicion based on CCTV. The investigation remains active, with calls for anyone with information—particularly from the Shoko area that night—to contact Mossos d’Esquadra or the U.S. Embassy.

The case echoes other recent disappearances of young Americans abroad during travel, drawing attention to safety for students on spring break. Gracey’s family and friends continue spreading flyers digitally and urging shares on social media to generate leads.

As the search enters its third day, loved ones hold out hope for a safe return. “We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts,” the family said, emphasizing prayers and vigilance from the public.

Anyone with information is urged to contact local Barcelona police or the U.S. Embassy in Spain.

HOUSTON — LeBron James and Luka Doncic delivered a masterclass in scoring efficiency and playmaking, combining for 70 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-116 road win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. The victory extended the Lakers’ winning streak to seven games — their longest of the season — and marked their 10th win in 11 outings.

Doncic paced the Lakers with a team-high 40 points on 7-of-17 shooting from three-point range (7 threes), adding nine rebounds and 10 assists for a near triple-double. James contributed 30 points on an extraordinary 13-of-14 shooting from the field (including 2-of-2 from deep), with five rebounds. The duo’s combined output marked a historic night, with James becoming the oldest player in NBA history at 41 years and 78 days to score 30+ points on 90%+ field goal percentage in a regular-season game. Doncic, meanwhile, surpassed Kobe Bryant for the most regular-season games in Lakers franchise history with 40+ points, 10+ assists and 5+ threes.

The Lakers (44-25) built early momentum, leading 35-26 after the first quarter behind sharp outside shooting and transition play. Houston (41-27) fought back in the third, outscoring Los Angeles 37-22 to take a brief lead, powered by Alperen Sengun’s 27 points and 10 assists and Amen Thompson’s 26 points and 11 rebounds. But the Lakers responded in the fourth, outscoring the Rockets 35-24 to seal the win.

A key sequence came with about 90 seconds remaining: Doncic found James for an alley-oop dunk to push the lead to four, followed by a Rockets turnover and a Doncic three-pointer that extended the advantage to 120-111. The Lakers’ defense clamped down late, limiting Houston to 24 fourth-quarter points.

James’ near-perfect shooting night tied the best single-game field goal percentage effort of his career, showcasing his continued elite efficiency at age 41. The performance also pushed him to 12,002 career rebounds, making him the 23rd player in NBA history to reach that milestone. Doncic’s 40-point outburst was his 11th of the season, underscoring his MVP-caliber form since joining the Lakers.

The win came just two days after the Lakers defeated Houston 100-92 on Monday, giving them a season series edge and tiebreaker advantage. Coach JJ Redick praised the duo’s chemistry postgame: “When LeBron and Luka are in rhythm like that, it’s tough to stop. They complement each other perfectly — Luka’s creation and LeBron’s finishing and decision-making.”

Houston, despite the loss, showed resilience with strong interior play from Sengun and Thompson. Kevin Durant added contributions off the bench, though specifics on his output were limited in reports. The Rockets remain competitive in the Western Conference but struggled to contain the Lakers’ star power in crunch time.

The victory bolsters the Lakers’ playoff positioning in a loaded Western Conference, where they sit third and continue building momentum toward the postseason. Doncic’s scoring and facilitation, paired with James’ veteran leadership and efficiency, have fueled the surge, raising expectations for a deep run.

Postgame reactions highlighted the historical significance. ESPN analysts noted the rarity of two superstars combining for 70 points in such efficient fashion, with James’ shooting percentage drawing comparisons to legendary performances. Fans on social media celebrated the “historic night,” with clips of Doncic’s deep threes and James’ alley-oop dunk circulating widely.

As the Lakers prepare for their next matchup, the focus remains on sustaining defensive intensity and health for their veteran core. With Doncic and James leading the charge, Los Angeles appears primed for contention.

The Rockets, meanwhile, regroup for their push toward the play-in or better seeding, relying on their young talent to bounce back.

The UK government has unveiled a major intervention in the steel market, setting an ambitious target to produce up to 50 per cent of the steel used domestically while imposing steep new tariffs on imports in a bid to protect the struggling industry.

Under the plans, import quotas will be reduced by 60 per cent from July, with any steel brought into the UK above those limits facing a punitive 50 per cent tariff. The move represents one of the most assertive steps taken by ministers in recent years to bolster domestic manufacturing capacity amid intensifying global competition.

Announcing the measures in Port Talbot, Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the strategy was designed to both strengthen UK industrial resilience and counter what he described as “anti-competitive behaviour” in global steel markets.

He confirmed the government aims to increase the proportion of British steel used in the UK economy from around 30 per cent to 50 per cent, although no specific deadline has yet been set for achieving the target.

The introduction of a 50 per cent tariff on excess imports marks a significant escalation in trade policy. While tariffs are paid by importing firms, the additional costs are typically passed through supply chains, potentially raising prices for manufacturers, construction firms and ultimately consumers.

Ministers insist the policy is not protectionist but rather a necessary safeguard in a market distorted by global overcapacity and subsidised production, particularly from overseas producers able to undercut UK manufacturers.

A transitional arrangement is being considered to soften the immediate impact, with contracts agreed before 14 March potentially exempt from the new tariffs for imports arriving between July and September.

The UK steel sector has broadly welcomed the announcement, having long called for stronger measures to shield it from cheaper imports and volatile global pricing.

Gareth Stace, head of industry body UK Steel, said the strategy represents a long-overdue shift in policy.

He said the UK had lacked a coherent industrial plan for steel for years, despite its central role in national security, infrastructure delivery and the transition to low-carbon energy systems. He added that a clear domestic strategy was essential if the sector is to survive and grow in an increasingly competitive global market.

Trade unions also cautiously backed the move. The GMB said the announcement was welcome but stressed that key questions remain around ownership structures, particularly at major sites such as Scunthorpe, and the long-term technological direction of the industry.

However, the policy has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, who argue the tariffs risk increasing costs across the wider economy.

Andrew Griffith warned that higher import costs could ripple through key sectors such as construction, potentially reducing infrastructure investment and placing additional pressure on UK manufacturers already facing tight margins.

The concern reflects a broader economic tension: while tariffs may support domestic producers, they can also raise input costs for downstream industries that rely on competitively priced materials.

The intervention comes at a critical moment for the UK steel industry, which has faced years of financial strain driven by high energy costs, global oversupply and shifting demand.

Although recent government support has helped reduce energy costs for intensive users, UK producers still face higher bills than many European and US competitors. That gap could widen further if global energy markets remain volatile.

Fears are growing that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could push oil and gas prices higher for longer, increasing operating costs for energy-intensive industries such as steelmaking.

The government’s push to increase domestic steel production also reflects broader strategic concerns. Ministers are keen to ensure the UK retains sovereign capability in critical industries, particularly as geopolitical tensions expose vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

This is underscored by the government’s direct involvement in key steel assets, including sites in Scunthorpe and Rotherham, where public funds are currently being used to maintain operations that might otherwise have ceased.

At the same time, investment in new technology is beginning to reshape the sector. At Port Talbot, Tata Steel is developing an electric arc furnace, which will recycle scrap metal to produce steel with significantly lower carbon emissions — a key component of the UK’s net zero ambitions.

The success of the government’s strategy will ultimately depend on whether it can strike a balance between protecting domestic producers and maintaining competitiveness across the broader economy.

While boosting local production could strengthen supply chain resilience and support jobs, the risk remains that higher costs could dampen demand and investment elsewhere.

For now, the policy signals a decisive shift towards a more interventionist industrial strategy — one that places steel at the heart of the UK’s economic, environmental and national security priorities.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

Comedian Kevin Hart turned a potentially flattering moment into comedy gold when he roasted his own wax figure at the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, calling it an “attack” and demanding a complete redo. The figure, unveiled recently, went viral this week after Hart posted a scathing yet humorous reaction on Instagram on March 14, 2026, drawing millions of views and thousands of comments from fans who agreed the likeness fell short.

The wax statue depicts Hart in a black T-shirt, black pants, leather jacket and a prominent long gold chain, with arms outstretched in a pose meant to capture his energetic stage presence. But the resemblance drew immediate criticism for inaccuracies in facial features, proportions and overall vibe. Hart, 46 (turning 47 soon), shared a video of the figure set to the theme from “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” overlaying text reading “I know that ain’t Kevin Hart.”

“WTTTTFFFFF …. What did I do to these people…. This is an attack…. Who in the f–k is this??????” Hart captioned the post. “At this point these museums are just trying to make me cry 🥺😂😂😂😂….. This s–t has to stop…. I demand a redo damn it!!!!!!!”

The Instagram reel quickly amassed over 13 million views, nearly 371,000 likes and more than 26,000 comments within days. Fans flooded the replies with jokes, comparisons and memes. Some likened the figure to a mix of Cuba Gooding Jr. and other celebrities, while others quipped about the height being the only accurate detail. Actress Jameela Jamil commented that it was “the worst one I’ve ever seen of anyone.” Even Hart’s frequent collaborator Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson chimed in playfully, posting he had “no notes” on the figure, adding to the lighthearted roasting.

Hart’s reaction exemplifies his signature self-deprecating humor, turning what could have been an embarrassing oversight into viral entertainment. The comedian, known for films like “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and stand-up specials, has a history of embracing internet memes and fan interactions, often amplifying moments that poke fun at himself.

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge, a popular tourist spot in the Smoky Mountains, features celebrity replicas but is separate from the more renowned Madame Tussauds chain, which has its own Hart figures in locations like New York and Hollywood. Those Madame Tussauds versions have generally received better reviews, though wax figures occasionally spark debates over accuracy across museums.

This isn’t the first time a celebrity wax statue has gone viral for the wrong reasons. Past examples include figures of Zac Efron, Kendall Jenner and others that drew criticism for looking off-model. Museums typically use reference photos, measurements and artist sculpting, but results vary based on execution and updates over time.

Hart’s post highlights ongoing challenges in capturing likenesses, especially for expressive performers whose energy comes from movement and facial animation rather than static poses. The figure’s stiff posture and facial structure failed to convey Hart’s trademark charisma, leading fans to speculate on whether it was rushed or based on outdated references.

Despite the mockery, the incident underscores Hart’s enduring popularity. His ability to laugh at himself keeps him relatable amid a career spanning stand-up, acting and producing. Recent projects include his HartBeat Productions slate and upcoming comedy specials, maintaining his status as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid comedians.

The viral moment also spotlights social media’s role in amplifying celebrity news. Hart’s direct engagement—posting personally rather than through a publicist—fueled the spread, turning a local museum unveiling into a global conversation.

As of March 19, 2026, neither the Hollywood Wax Museum nor Hart has announced plans for revisions, though his “demand a redo” plea suggests he may push for one. In the meantime, the figure remains on display, likely drawing curious visitors eager to see the “attack” in person.

For Hart, the episode is another chapter in a career built on turning mishaps into punchlines. Whether the museum heeds his call remains to be seen, but the comedian has already won the internet round with his quick-witted response.