WASHINGTON — The FBI announced a $200,000 reward Thursday for information leading to the arrest of Monica Elfriede Witt, a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist who defected to Iran more than a decade ago and is accused of betraying highly classified national defense information that compromised American operatives and operations.

The reward, issued by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, underscores the ongoing threat posed by one of the most damaging insider espionage cases in recent U.S. history. Witt, 47, remains at large and is believed to be living in Iran, where she allegedly continues assisting Tehran’s intelligence services against her former country and colleagues.

“Monica Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran and providing the Iranian regime national defense information,” said Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division. “She likely continues to support their nefarious activities.”

Witt joined the Air Force in 1997 and served until 2008 as a technical sergeant and special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. She held top-secret clearance and specialized in counterintelligence, gaining deep knowledge of U.S. intelligence operations, undercover personnel identities and sensitive collection programs. After leaving active duty, she worked as a Defense Department contractor until 2010, maintaining access to classified materials.

Prosecutors allege Iranian intelligence began targeting her as early as 2012. FBI agents warned her she was a potential recruitment target, but she assured authorities she would not cooperate. In May 2012, Witt traveled to Iran for a conference sharply critical of U.S. policies. She returned the following year and fully defected in August 2013, boarding a flight from Dubai to Tehran. Iranian state media broadcast her conversion to Islam and anti-American statements.

A 2019 federal indictment in Washington, D.C., charges Witt with conspiracy to deliver national defense information to a foreign government. She allegedly provided Iran with details on a highly classified U.S. intelligence collection program and helped identify former U.S. colleagues for targeting. She is also accused of assisting Iranian hackers in cyberattacks against American intelligence personnel.

Four Iranian nationals were charged in the same case for their roles in the cyber campaign. If convicted, Witt faces potential life imprisonment.

The decision to publicize the $200,000 bounty more than seven years after the indictment reflects continued concern that Witt remains actively supporting Iranian operations. She is fluent in Farsi and has used aliases while in Iran. The FBI’s wanted poster describes her as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 145 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She has visible tattoos, including one on her left wrist.

Security experts view Witt’s case as a stark example of insider threats and the long-term damage that can result from a single defection. Her knowledge of U.S. counterintelligence tradecraft reportedly helped Iran identify and harass former American operatives. Some analysts have described her as one of Tehran’s most valuable assets in its shadow war with Washington.

The reward announcement arrives as U.S.-Iran relations remain highly strained. Recent regional conflicts, including tensions involving Israel and Iranian-backed groups, add urgency to countering Tehran’s intelligence capabilities. Witt’s actions allegedly endangered lives and compromised programs designed to protect U.S. interests in the Middle East.

The FBI urges anyone with information on Witt’s whereabouts or activities to contact the bureau immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously via tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. The reward applies to information leading to her arrest and conviction.

Witt remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted list in the counterintelligence category. Previous efforts to locate her yielded no public breakthroughs, prompting the escalated financial incentive.

Born in 1979, Witt had a distinguished early career, earning an Air Medal for her service during the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a crypto-linguist aboard RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft. She later transitioned to counterintelligence roles. Reports suggest personal factors, including feelings of disillusionment, may have contributed to her radicalization. Iranian operatives reportedly exploited these vulnerabilities.

Her public appearances on Iranian television denouncing the United States shocked former colleagues who remembered her as a dedicated service member.

More than a decade later, fundamental questions persist: How much damage did Witt’s betrayal cause? What specific programs or individuals were compromised? And does she continue providing actionable intelligence to Iran today?

U.S. intelligence officials believe the answer to the last question is yes, which explains the timing and size of the reward. In an era of great-power competition and persistent Iranian hybrid threats, even historical defectors can pose current dangers.

The case also serves as a cautionary tale for the intelligence community about insider threats, mental health support for veterans and the long tail of recruitment operations by adversarial nations.

As the FBI ramps up its public appeal, the hunt for Monica Witt enters a new, more visible phase. For now, she remains beyond American reach in Iran, a living symbol of one of the most audacious defections in modern U.S. history — and a reminder that some secrets, once given away, can never be fully recovered.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward. The $200,000 reward could provide the breakthrough needed to bring a long-sought fugitive to justice and close a painful chapter in American counterintelligence.

Jacksonville, Florida, is a city built for movement; busy highways, long commutes, and constant traffic flow shape daily life. But that pace comes with risk.

In recent years, Duval County has recorded over 23,000–33,000 crashes annually, with thousands of injuries and dozens of fatalities tied to these incidents. Even statewide, Florida sees hundreds of crashes every day, making accidents less of a rare event and more of an ongoing reality for residents. In a place where a single moment on the road can change everything, understanding your legal options isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary.

That’s where speaking with a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer becomes a practical next step. A consultation isn’t just a formal meeting; it’s your first real assessment of what your case might be worth, how liability is determined, and what the legal process actually involves. You can expect questions about the incident, a review of available evidence, and a clear explanation of potential outcomes without pressure to commit. Knowing what to expect from that meeting helps you walk in prepared, ask the right questions, and avoid costly missteps early on.

Why the First Meeting Matters

Early case reviews help injured people sort medical facts from insurance pressure. During that discussion, a personal injury lawyer will often study injury onset, treatment timing, witness accounts, and contact with adjusters before offering a first impression. That process helps families see whether the claim rests on solid proof, where gaps may exist, and which tasks deserve immediate attention before deadlines tighten.

The Lawyer Starts With the Story

Most consultations begin with the event itself. Attorneys usually ask where it happened, who saw it, what caused harm, and how the body reacted afterward. Details like impact direction, surface conditions, warning signs, or job duties can matter more than people expect. A small fact may explain a fracture, support a pain complaint, or show why symptoms worsened during the first several days after the incident.

Records Shape the Early Assessment

Documents give the first legal opinion real weight. Useful items include crash reports, incident forms, imaging results, visit summaries, billing statements, wage records, repair estimates, and insurer letters. Photographs often help, especially when swelling, bruising, damaged property, or hazardous conditions are visible soon after the event. Organized records save time and let the attorney compare dates, symptoms, and outside statements without relying on memory alone.

Expect Questions About Fault

Responsibility is usually tested early. The attorney may ask whether the injured person gave a recorded statement, signed forms, received a citation, or posted details online. Another line of questioning may cover admissions by the other party, shifting accounts, or efforts to leave the scene. Honest answers matter. Facts that feel minor during a first meeting can later affect credibility, bargaining power, and the value placed on physical harm.

Injuries Must Connect to the Event

Medical timing often shapes the strength of the claim. Lawyers usually ask when the pain began, which body areas were affected, what treatment followed, and whether prior conditions involved the same tissue. Gaps in care can raise avoidable doubt, so attorneys want a clear reason for any delay. Records should show a consistent path from the event to symptoms, evaluation, treatment, and ongoing limitations in daily function.

Money Is Discussed With Caution

Many people hope for a dollar estimate right away. Careful attorneys rarely give a firm number during the first meeting because value depends on recovery progress, lost earnings, future care, and available coverage. Early discussion often starts with measurable losses, such as bills or missed workdays. Pain, sleep disruption, reduced mobility, and household strain may matter too, yet those effects are easier to judge after treatment develops.

Fees and Costs Should Be Clear

Payment terms should be plain from the start. Many injury firms use contingency fees, meaning payment depends on recovery instead of advance billing. Clients should still ask about litigation costs, record charges, expert review, filing fees, and who covers those items if no recovery occurs. Clear financial terms protect the working relationship. People should leave knowing what services are included, when payment happens, and how expenses are tracked.

The Lawyer Should Outline Next Steps

A strong consultation ends with a clear sequence. That outline may include gathering records, preserving photographs, contacting witnesses, reviewing insurance coverage, or waiting for the medical status to stabilize. Some claims move into negotiation quickly. Others need a deeper factual review before any demand is sent. Useful guidance should be specific rather than polished. Families should hear what needs attention this week, what can wait, and which risks may affect timing.

Good Questions Reveal Fit

The meeting also helps people judge the lawyer. Useful questions include who will provide updates, how often contact will occur, whether a lawsuit seems likely, and what facts could weaken the claim. Clients may also ask what documents are still missing and what actions should be avoided. Strong answers sound direct, calm, and evidence-based. Vague promises or forced certainty can signal poor judgment at an early stage.

Conclusion

A personal injury consultation should leave injured people with clearer medical, legal, and practical expectations. The best meetings identify evidence, flag weak areas, explain timing, and map out sensible next steps without false certainty. They also show how a lawyer thinks about records, symptoms, and insurance behavior under pressure. With organized paperwork and thoughtful questions, families can use that first visit to judge both claim strength and professional fit.

NEW YORK — Weight Watchers users across the United States and parts of Europe reported widespread disruptions Friday as the popular weight-management app experienced outages affecting login, tracking and program access, leaving many unable to log meals, check points or attend virtual meetings.

The @status_is_down account on X first flagged the issue Thursday afternoon, posting: “Weight Watchers is reportedly down for hundreds of users at the moment. Are you one of them?” The alert included a link to a Design Taxi community forum thread titled “Is Weight Watchers down? [May 15, 2026]” and quickly spread as frustrated subscribers shared their experiences.

Downdetector and similar outage-tracking sites showed a sharp spike in complaints throughout the afternoon and early evening, with problems centered on sign-in failures, “something went wrong” error messages and complete loss of access to personal accounts. Some users also reported issues with the companion website and virtual workshop features.

Multiple replies to the original post confirmed the scale of the disruption. One user wrote, “Yes and it bumped me out asking me to sign back in but when I try says ‘something went wrong’ hate this.” Another simply stated, “Mines not working,” while a third noted broader connectivity problems, adding “Xbox too now.”

The timing amplified frustration for many subscribers. Weight Watchers relies heavily on daily logging and real-time support, particularly for those in structured programs or preparing for weekend events. With many users treating the app as an essential tool for health and wellness routines, even brief outages can disrupt momentum and create anxiety around progress tracking.

Weight Watchers has not yet issued an official statement on the outage. The company’s status page and support channels remained silent as of late Friday afternoon, directing users to general troubleshooting guides. Past incidents involving the platform have typically been resolved within hours, though larger-scale disruptions have occasionally required extended fixes.

User Impact and Frustration

The outage affected a wide range of features, including food logging, activity tracking, community forums and virtual coaching sessions. For individuals in the middle of weight-loss journeys or those relying on the app for accountability, the sudden loss of access proved particularly disruptive. Some users reported being locked out mid-entry, losing partial logs or being unable to join scheduled meetings.

Social media platforms filled with similar complaints. Users expressed irritation over repeated sign-in loops and error messages, with several noting they had paid for premium subscriptions and expected uninterrupted service. The incident echoes broader frustrations with app reliability in the health and wellness sector, where users often depend on consistent access for motivation and data continuity.

Parents and caregivers juggling family responsibilities highlighted the added inconvenience of being unable to quickly log meals or access support during busy evenings. Others shared stories of relying on the app during medical weight management or post-surgery recovery, underscoring the practical importance of reliable service.

Broader Context of App Reliability

Weight Watchers, rebranded as WW in recent years, has faced growing competition from newer apps and platforms offering similar tracking tools. The company has invested heavily in digital transformation, expanding virtual offerings and integrating AI-driven coaching features. However, like many tech-dependent services, it remains vulnerable to backend issues, server overloads or third-party integration problems.

This is not the first time Weight Watchers has experienced outages. Similar incidents have occurred during peak usage periods, such as New Year’s resolution seasons or major program launches. Industry experts note that health apps often see usage spikes in the evenings and on weekends, times when support teams may be limited.

The current disruption arrives as the company continues navigating post-pandemic shifts in consumer behavior. Many users have embraced hybrid models combining app tracking with in-person or virtual workshops. Any interruption in digital access can therefore ripple into overall program satisfaction and retention.

Possible Causes and Technical Insights

While Weight Watchers has not commented publicly, common causes for such outages include server maintenance, unexpected traffic surges, database synchronization issues or problems with authentication systems. The repeated “something went wrong” messages reported by users often point to backend authentication or API failures rather than widespread internet issues.

Experts suggest the problem may stem from high concurrent usage or a recent update rollout that introduced unforeseen bugs. Weight Watchers has been rolling out enhanced features, including improved recipe integration and personalized coaching tools, which could strain systems if not fully optimized.

Users attempting basic troubleshooting steps — restarting apps, clearing cache, or trying alternative devices — reported limited success, further indicating a server-side rather than local issue.

What Users Can Do

Weight Watchers recommends standard troubleshooting for affected subscribers:

• Force-close and reopen the app
• Check for app updates in the App Store or Google Play
• Try accessing via the website on a desktop or laptop
• Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data to isolate network-specific problems
• Clear app cache and data if on Android devices

For persistent issues, the company directs users to contact customer support through the app or website once service resumes. Premium members may qualify for credits or extensions on subscription periods affected by outages, though details depend on individual account terms.

Many users turned to alternative tracking methods temporarily, including manual journaling or competitor apps, while awaiting restoration. Some communities on Reddit and Facebook offered workarounds and shared progress updates to maintain accountability during the disruption.

Company Response and Future Outlook

Weight Watchers has built its modern identity around digital accessibility and community support. Outages like this one test user loyalty and highlight the need for robust infrastructure as the company expands its technological offerings. Industry observers expect the company to provide a detailed post-incident explanation once service fully restores, potentially including compensation for affected subscribers.

The incident also serves as a broader reminder of reliance on digital health tools. As more people incorporate apps into wellness routines, expectations for uptime and reliability continue to rise. Companies in the space are investing heavily in redundancy and monitoring to prevent similar disruptions.

For now, affected users continue monitoring official channels and outage trackers for updates. Many expressed hope for quick resolution, particularly those in the middle of structured programs or facing upcoming health milestones.

The Weight Watchers outage joins a growing list of recent service disruptions across popular apps and platforms, underscoring the challenges of maintaining seamless digital experiences at scale. While temporary, these incidents highlight how deeply integrated technology has become in daily health and lifestyle management.

As Friday evening progressed, some users reported gradual improvement, though others continued experiencing issues. The company is expected to provide further updates as it works to restore full functionality and address any lingering problems.

In the meantime, subscribers are encouraged to use alternative methods for tracking and to reach out to support once systems stabilize. The episode, though disruptive, also fostered a sense of community among users sharing similar frustrations and offering mutual encouragement during the outage.

Weight Watchers has built a global brand around support and progress. Today’s technical difficulties tested that promise for many, but the company’s history suggests a strong focus on resolving issues and retaining user trust once service returns to normal. For millions relying on the platform daily, the swift restoration of access remains the immediate priority.

Steel Authority of India (SAIL) reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,835 crore in the March-ended quarter versus Rs 1,251 crore in the year ago period, a 47% YoY growth. The profit after tax (PAT) is attributable to the owners of the parent.

The state-run company posted a revenue growth of 5% to Rs 30,813 crore in Q4FY26 versus Rs 29,316 crore posted in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.

The company’s bottom line surged by a whopping 391% on a sequential basis versus Rs 374 crore in Q3FY26 while the topline grew 13% quarter-on-quarter versus Rs 27,371 crore posted in the October-December quarter of FY26.

The company’s board also recommended a final dividend of Rs 2.35 per equity share for the financial year 2025-26. The final dividend for FY26 will be paid within 30 days from the date of approval by the shareholders in the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

On the standalone basis, the PAT stood at Rs 1,680 crore versus Rs 1,178 crore, up 43% YoY while sales in the quarter under review, stood at Rs 30,541 crore versus Rs 29,121 crore, rising by 5%.

The Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) stood at Rs 4,762 core versus Rs 3,781 core in the year ago period. It stood at Rs 2,630 crore in Q3FY26.
For full financial year, the standalone PAT stood at Rs 3,233 crore in FY26 versus Rs 2,148 crore in FY25 while sales turnover in the same period stood at Rs 1,09,966 crore in the same period compared to Rs 1,01,716 crore in FY25. On the crude steel production outlook, the company said that steel production has been coming down every year barring 2023 where marginal increase was witnessed. The first 3 months of the current year have also seen the production falling by 2.3 over CPLY with China registering degrowth of 4.6% despite marginal increase in production in Rest of the World (RoW).

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Operator

Good morning, and welcome to American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP’s First Quarter Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Before beginning the call, AHIP would like to remind listeners that the following discussions will include forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which forward-looking information is qualified by the statement.

Comments that are not a statement of fact, including projections of future earnings, revenues, income and FFO are considered forward-looking. Participants on this call should not place undue reliance on such information, which is provided based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this call. AHIP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

On this call, AHIP will discuss certain non-IFRS financial measures. For the definition of these non-IFRS financial measures, the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure and a reconciliation between the two, please refer to their MD&A. Reference to prior year’s operating results are in comparison of AHIP’s portfolio of 31 properties results in that period versus the same properties results today. All figures discussed on today’s call are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Discussing AHIP’s performance today are John O’Neill, Executive Officer; Bruce Pittet, Chief Operating Officer; and Travis Beatty, Chief Financial Officer.

I’ll now turn the call over to John O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer.

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Bapcor Limited (BAPCF) Discusses Turnaround Progress, Trading Update, and Impact of Global Events May 13, 2026 7:30 PM EDT

Company Participants

Chris Wilesmith – CEO, MD & Director
Karen McRae
Kim Kerr – Chief Financial Officer

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Conference Call Participants

Craig Woolford – MST Financial Services Pty Limited, Research Division
Sam Teeger – Citigroup Inc., Research Division
Wei-Weng Chen – RBC Capital Markets, Research Division
Andrew Hodge – Canaccord Genuity Corp., Research Division
James Bales – Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Angus Hewitt – Morningstar Inc., Research Division

Presentation

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Operator

Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Bapcor Limited Turnaround and Trading Update. [Operator Instructions]. I would now like to hand the conference over to Mr. Chris Wilesmith Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Please go ahead.

Chris Wilesmith
CEO, MD & Director

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Thank you, Ashley. Good morning, all, and thank you for making the time. Well, it is undoubtedly seen the update that we’ve released to work the market. That’s really pleasing about to talk about the things that we’re actually seeing in the business starting to emerge, but we thought it was absolutely appropriate to reach out and to update the market on also the impacts that are being felt from what’s happening globally.

The announcement very clearly has given you a sense of the momentum change from the turnaround announcement. Notwithstanding 2 days after that, the global impact started occurring from the war in the Middle East. I wanted to really give you a sense of the actions that we talked about and have started taking in the business, having a material impact on the performance in each of the trading divisions.

You’ll see that in the actual announcement that we provided very clearly, the difference in the momentum that we’re seeing post starting the very early introduction of these initiatives across the

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LOS ANGELES — As the Los Angeles Lakers regroup following their second-round playoff exit, one of the NBA’s most compelling storylines remains unresolved: whether LeBron James and his son Bronny James will share the court again in purple and gold during the 2026-27 season.

LeBron James, 41, has not yet committed to his playing future after completing a two-year, $101 million contract that paid him approximately $52.6 million in 2025-26. Multiple reports indicate mutual interest between James and the Lakers in continuing their partnership, but significant salary cap constraints, the team’s roster construction around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and James’ own reflections on his career make a return far from guaranteed.

Bronny James, 21, enters the final guaranteed year of his four-year rookie contract in 2026-27. The Lakers hold a team option for 2027-28, giving them control over his immediate future regardless of his father’s decision. Bronny has shown steady improvement in his second season, earning consistent bench minutes and proving himself as a legitimate NBA contributor on both ends of the floor.

LeBron’s Free Agency Decision Looms Large

James exercised his player option last offseason but now heads into unrestricted free agency. While the Lakers have expressed desire to keep him, cap mathematics and roster fit will play major roles. Reports suggest LeBron is seeking a deal that allows contention while providing financial security, possibly in the $40-50 million range annually if he returns to Los Angeles.

Sources close to James indicate he plans extensive family discussions before deciding. Cleveland, Golden State and other contenders have been mentioned as potential landing spots if he leaves, though many insiders believe he prefers to finish his career with the Lakers if the supporting cast justifies it. Retirement also remains an option, with prediction markets giving it roughly a 25 percent chance before next season.

Bronny’s Development and Role

Bronny has carved out a role as a versatile guard off the bench. In 2025-26, he averaged improved numbers while splitting time between the Lakers and the G League affiliate. His defensive instincts, athleticism and growing confidence have earned praise from coach JJ Redick and teammates.

Even if LeBron departs, the Lakers appear committed to Bronny’s development. Executives have described plans to make him a regular rotation player in 2026-27, viewing him as a long-term piece rather than solely a marketing asset tied to his father. His partially guaranteed deal for next season gives the team flexibility, but early indications suggest they want to keep him.

Father-Son Legacy on the Line

The possibility of LeBron and Bronny playing together for another season carries historic weight. They became the first father-son duo to share an NBA court in 2024, creating unforgettable moments that transcended basketball. Another year together would extend that unique chapter, potentially including deeper playoff runs with an improved supporting cast.

However, LeBron’s decision will likely prioritize winning and family considerations over continuing the father-son narrative. If he retires or joins another team, Bronny’s path stays with the Lakers, where the organization sees long-term value in his growth independent of his famous last name.

Lakers Roster and Front Office Strategy

General manager Rob Pelinka faces a complex offseason. With Dončić and Reaves locked in as foundational pieces, the Lakers must balance veteran leadership, youth development and cap flexibility. Re-signing LeBron would require creative maneuvering, possibly involving salary reductions or roster trimming.

Bronny’s future appears more secure. Even without his father, the Lakers view him as a developmental guard with upside in a modern NBA that values versatility and defense. His improvement trajectory suggests he could earn a second contract if he continues progressing.

Fan and League Reaction

Lakers fans remain divided. Many hope for one more season of the James duo, viewing it as a sentimental and marketable story. Others prioritize contention and question the wisdom of roster decisions driven by family ties. League-wide, executives watch closely as the situation could influence free agency and trade markets.

Analysts predict LeBron will ultimately decide based on competitive fit and family input. Bronny, meanwhile, focuses on earning his place through performance rather than legacy. Their shared journey has already produced historic milestones, but the 2026-27 season may mark the final chapter — or the beginning of Bronny’s independent NBA story.

As training camp approaches later this year, clarity on LeBron’s future will shape the Lakers’ direction. For now, the possibility of another father-son season in Los Angeles remains alive but uncertain, adding intrigue to an already compelling NBA offseason. The basketball world watches closely as one of the sport’s most unique family legacies approaches its next crossroads.