The government blocked over 437,000 illegal URLs in five months, primarily targeting online gambling. Enhanced enforcement measures include AI detection and expedited service provider notifications to combat digital crime.

Key Points

• The government has blocked over 437,000 illegal website URLs in five months to combat online crime, primarily targeting online gambling. A total of 437,473 URLs were removed from October 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
• In February alone, 132,842 links were blocked on social media and websites. Online gambling dominated this action, with 362,482 URLs affected, alongside sites related to e-cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, firearms, prostitution, scams, misinformation, hate speech, and pornography.
• The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is using artificial intelligence to detect illegal online activities. This technology aids in supporting court-ordered suspensions and enables swift communication with internet service providers to ensure effective blocking of harmful websites.

The government has reportedly blocked more than 437,000 illegal website URLs over the past five months as part of expanded efforts to combat online crime. Authorities said most of the blocked sites were linked to online gambling activities.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society carried out the enforcement between October 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, removing a total of 437,473 illegal URLs. In February alone, authorities blocked 132,842 links across social media platforms and websites.

Online gambling accounted for the largest share, with 362,482 blocked URLs. Other categories included content related to electronic cigarettes, alcohol advertising, cannabis sales, firearms, and prostitution. Authorities also blocked additional sites linked to scams, misinformation, hate speech, and pornographic material.

The ministry has deployed artificial intelligence systems to detect and analyze illegal online activities before forwarding information to enforcement platforms that support court-ordered website suspensions. Additional tools enable authorities to quickly send orders to internet service providers and verify that blocked websites remain inaccessible, thereby boosting efforts to reduce illegal digital activities and online crime.

Source : Thai Government Blocks Over 437,000 Illegal Websites in Crackdown

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At least 2,000 flights were canceled Sunday as winter blizzards continue to batter the Upper Midwest, turning at least one normally bustling airport into a virtual ghost town.

According to the latest data from FlightAware, U.S. flight cancellations Sunday accounted for roughly 78% of all canceled flights worldwide, with at least 2,216 flights grounded out of roughly 2,842 global cancellations.

Meanwhile, an additional 6,826 delays have reportedly rippled across the national air network, further straining travel schedules across the world.

Many airlines have since issued guidelines allowing passengers to change their flights without major fees, providing flexibility for travelers affected by the winter storms.

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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport resembled a ghost town on March 15, 2026. (Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul / Fox News)

The epicenter of the disruptions remains in the Midwest, with the heaviest impact centered on Chicago, followed by Minneapolis. The fallout has created noticeable ripple effects at other major U.S. airports, including Atlanta and Denver. 

The airport seeing the largest impact by sheer volume is Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, with a reported 790 flights affected, according to FlyChicago.

At least 27% of its departing flights have been canceled, while another 29% of incoming flights have also been scrapped, according to FlightAware.

Another 839 flights, both incoming and outgoing, have been delayed, with average wait times of 82 minutes, according to FlyChicago.

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A fierce snow blizzard lashes the exterior of the airport, grounding flights and disrupting travel at MSP. (MSP Airport/Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul / Fox News)

The major airport with the highest percentage of affected flights is Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP), where 73% of departing flights and 64% of arriving flights have reportedly been canceled, FlightAware reported.

MSP Airport noted a total of 726 canceled flights and 177 on-time departures, while Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul observed Sunday that the terminals virtually resembled a ghost town, with minimal staff on site.

The airport released a statement on their social media Sunday morning, highlighting the severity of the winter storms that disrupted operations at the airport.

“Fake spring came to an end as snow arrived at MSP Saturday evening,” it said. “Airlines have canceled more than 450 flights to and from MSP on Sunday. Please check with your airline for the latest flight information. Stay safe!”

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), another major hub connecting to Chicago and Minneapolis, reportedly experienced significant disruptions as well, with at least 227 total flights delayed and another 87 canceled.  

Similarly, Denver International (DEN) saw 466 delays and 60 total cancellations. 

TRAVEL EXPERT WARNS AMERICANS TO ‘BOOK NOW’ AS OIL PRICES THREATEN HIGHER AIRFARES

Snow blankets the tarmac at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, highlighting the storm’s impact on flights. (MSP Airport/Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul / Fox News)

Most major carriers have issued travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook flights as the storm continues to rage. Officials suggest checking airline websites frequently for any updates.  

United Airlines issued notices allowing passengers with affected flights from the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region to reschedule their trips with minimal fee changes.

“You can reschedule your trip and we’ll waive change fees and fare differences,” the site said. “But, your new flight must be a United flight departing between March 12, 2026 and March 20, 2026. Tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked.”

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While Delta Air Lines had previously set a March 22 deadline for ticket reissuance, passengers can now extend this deadline to March 24, 2026.

American Airlines also announced that passengers can change their trips with no change fee, provided the new bookings are made by March 26, 2026.

American oil executives delivered a bleak message to Trump officials in recent days: The energy crisis the Iran war has unleashed is likely to get worse.

In a series of White House meetings Wednesday and recent conversations with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the CEOs of

Exxon Mobil

XOM

increase; green up pointing triangle, Chevron

CVX -0.08%

decrease; red down pointing triangle and ConocoPhillips COP 1.36%increase; green up pointing triangle warned that the disruption to energy flows out of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway would continue to create volatility in global energy markets, according to people familiar with the matter.

St. Ignace, Michigan — The Mackinac Bridge, Michigan’s iconic five-mile suspension span connecting the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, remains closed to all traffic Sunday due to severe winter weather conditions, including blowing snow, limited visibility and hazardous ice accumulation on its cables and towers.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority announced the full closure Sunday morning, March 15, 2026, citing dangerous weather in the Straits of Mackinac area. Motorists approaching the bridge are instructed to reduce speed to 20 mph, prepare to stop and tune to AM radio frequencies 530 or 1610 for updates. Bridge personnel are stationed at both ends to direct traffic and provide guidance.

“Due to the current weather conditions, the Mackinac Bridge is closed to all traffic,” the authority stated on its website. “The Mackinac Bridge Authority is monitoring conditions at various points along the structure. When conditions improve, the bridge will be reopened to traffic.”

The latest shutdown follows a pattern of intermittent closures throughout mid-March triggered primarily by falling ice, a recurring safety issue during late-winter thaws and high winds. Ice buildup on the bridge’s massive cables and towers can dislodge in chunks, posing serious risks to vehicles below. Authorities have emphasized that closures err on the side of caution to prevent injuries or accidents.

Saturday, March 14, the bridge closed around 9 a.m. due to hazardous falling ice from cables and towers, with no immediate reopening timeline provided initially. It reopened later that day after conditions stabilized, according to reports from local media including the Detroit Free Press and Upper Michigan’s Source. High-profile vehicles may require wind escorts during partial restrictions, a standard protocol for gusty conditions.

The bridge has faced multiple closures in recent weeks. On Friday, March 13, severe weather including blowing snow and reduced visibility prompted a shutdown, with motorists advised to use low-beam headlights and exercise extreme caution. Earlier in the week, closures occurred Thursday, March 12, twice for falling ice and wind-related hazards.

Communications specialist James Lake with the Mackinac Bridge Authority noted in prior statements that gusty winds can knock loose remaining ice even as temperatures hover below freezing. “We really hate to close the bridge at any time, knowing how important the connection is, but in cases of falling ice we really have no choice but to err on the side of caution,” Lake said earlier this month.

The Mighty Mac, as it’s affectionately known, carries about 4 million vehicles annually and serves as a vital link for commerce, tourism and daily travel between Michigan’s peninsulas. Closures disrupt trucking routes, emergency services and vacation plans, particularly during peak winter travel periods.

Travelers are urged to avoid the Straits area during active closures to allow maintenance crews safe access for ice removal and inspections. The authority encourages signing up for text alerts by texting “MacBridge” to 67283 for real-time notifications on closures or restrictions.

Winter weather has dominated the region, with a blowing snow warning issued Sunday morning amid ongoing low visibility and slippery road surfaces. Forecasters indicate continued cold temperatures through the coming days, though improving conditions could allow reopening soon. No specific timeline has been released, as officials monitor hourly changes.

The bridge’s design, completed in 1957, includes features to withstand extreme Great Lakes weather, but ice and wind remain significant challenges. Maintenance teams regularly clear ice from cables during winter, but rapid temperature swings and wind gusts can create unpredictable hazards.

Local residents and frequent crossers expressed frustration on social media over repeated disruptions. “Multiple times over the last few days,” one commenter noted on a storm chaser page, highlighting the frequency of recent shutdowns.

For those planning travel, alternatives include detouring far south through Indiana or waiting out the storm. Ferry services across the Straits remain suspended for the season, leaving the bridge as the primary route.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority continues to prioritize safety, stationing personnel and monitoring wind speeds, visibility and ice conditions closely. Past incidents of ice falling have prompted swift actions, and officials stress that drivers should never attempt to cross during active warnings.

As the storm system moves through, attention turns to when the bridge might reopen fully. In the meantime, motorists are advised to check the official website at mackinacbridge.org or listen to designated radio stations for the latest updates.

The closure underscores the harsh realities of Michigan winters and the engineering feats required to maintain connectivity across one of the nation’s most scenic yet challenging waterways. With spring approaching, hopes remain high for more stable conditions ahead.

Sydney, Australia — Linkin Park completed its long-awaited Australian return on the From Zero World Tour with back-to-back performances at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on March 14 and 15, 2026, delivering high-energy sets blending nu-metal classics with material from their 2024 comeback album despite a last-minute cancellation in Adelaide due to illness.

The tour leg marked the band’s first Australian shows since 2013 and their debut Down Under with new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong alongside Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and Colin Brittain. It kicked off in Brisbane at the Entertainment Centre with two nights on March 3 and 5, followed by Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on March 8 and 10.

The Adelaide Entertainment Centre date on March 12 was abruptly canceled hours before showtime. The band announced via social media that an illness in the group—later linked to Armstrong’s recovery—forced the decision. “We have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel tonight’s show due to an illness in the band,” the statement read. “The Australia tour has been incredible so far and we are devastated that we’re unable to perform for our fans in Adelaide. Unfortunately, the show will not be rescheduled.” Refunds were processed automatically, with no makeup date planned due to scheduling.

Fans expressed disappointment, particularly as Adelaide was an added show from December 2025 announcements to meet demand. Many took to social media to share support, with one noting, “Illness is illness and we understand, but damn it hurts.” The band prioritized health, and the remaining dates proceeded without further issues.

Sydney’s March 14 show (Night 1) featured Polaris as support, with doors at 6:30 p.m., Polaris at 7:30 p.m. and Linkin Park hitting the stage around 8:45 p.m. Setlists drew from across eras: staples like “One Step Closer,” “In the End,” “Numb,” “Faint” and “Crawling” mixed with “From Zero” tracks such as “Heavy Is the Crown,” “Over Each Other” and “Up From the Bottom.” Shinoda incorporated Fort Minor elements in mash-ups, while Hahn delivered a solo. Armstrong’s vocals shone on harmonies and screams, earning praise for seamless integration.

Night 2 on March 15 maintained momentum, with Polaris again opening. Reviews highlighted the crowd’s enthusiasm, with fans celebrating Hahn’s birthday onstage. Set variations included “Papercut,” “Bleed It Out” (with extended Fort Minor bridge) and “Somewhere I Belong.” The shows showcased the band’s evolution, balancing nostalgia with fresh energy from “From Zero,” which topped charts and earned Grammy nods.

The Australian run followed successful legs in Asia and the Middle East, with strong fan turnout reflecting sustained interest post-reunion. Ticket sales for multi-night stands sold out rapidly after August 2025 announcements, with added dates in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney addressing demand.

Armstrong’s role drew early scrutiny but won over audiences through powerful performances. Shinoda emphasized the “new chapter” in interviews, focusing on forward momentum rather than replacement.

The tour continues with the final Oceania stop at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, on March 18, supported by Vana. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Vana at 7:30 p.m. and Linkin Park at 8:45 p.m. This marks the band’s first Auckland show since 2013.

Post-Australia, Linkin Park heads to Europe in late May, starting in Stockholm on May 29, followed by Hamburg (June 1 and 3), festival slots at Rock am Ring and Rock im Park (June 5-7), and stadium dates in Vienna and Munich. The tour wraps June 30 in Zurich, Switzerland.

No immediate plans for new music were announced, with the band likely entering the studio after the tour. “From Zero” remains the focus, with deluxe editions and merch available.

The Australian leg, despite the Adelaide setback, reinforced Linkin Park’s enduring appeal. Fans praised the energy, production and emotional delivery, with many calling it worth the 13-year wait.

As the From Zero World Tour progresses, Linkin Park continues redefining its legacy with Armstrong’s addition and Shinoda’s leadership, proving resilience in a new era.