President Donald Trump threatened Saturday to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to U.S. airports as early as Monday if Democrats fail to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), escalating a partial government shutdown now in its fifth week that has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers unpaid and caused widespread travel disruptions.

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump blamed “radical left Democrats” for the impasse and vowed aggressive action. “If the Radical Left Democrats don’t immediately sign an agreement to let our Country, in particular, our Airports, be FREE and SAFE again, I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports where they will do Security like no one has ever seen before, including the immediate arrest of all Illegal Immigrants who have come into our Country, with heavy emphasis on those from Somalia,” he wrote in one post. In a follow-up, he declared, “I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, ‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!”

The threat comes amid mounting strain on the nation’s aviation system. The partial shutdown, triggered by a February congressional failure to pass DHS appropriations, has left nearly 50,000 TSA employees working without pay for weeks. Many have called in sick, resigned or quit outright — with the agency reporting 366 departures as of mid-March — leading to long security lines, unpredictable wait times and flight delays at major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles and New York airports.

TSA officers, who perform passenger and baggage screening, are classified as essential and required to report for duty despite the funding lapse. They missed their first full paycheck recently and face a second without resolution, prompting absenteeism spikes and warnings from unions that security could be compromised. Travelers have reported waits exceeding two hours at some checkpoints, with spring break travel amplifying the chaos.

Trump’s proposal would redirect ICE personnel — trained primarily in immigration enforcement, investigations and detention — to support or potentially supplement TSA functions. Details remain unclear: ICE agents lack the specialized months-long training TSA screeners receive for threat detection, X-ray interpretation and pat-down procedures. Officials suggested they might handle crowd management, line direction or ancillary roles to free TSA staff for core screening, though Trump’s rhetoric emphasized broader enforcement, including arrests of undocumented immigrants encountered at airports.

Critics, including Democrats and civil liberties groups, called the plan reckless and politically motivated. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of holding TSA pay hostage to extract concessions on immigration policy without reforms. House Democrats previously proposed separating TSA funding from contentious ICE and Customs and Border Protection allocations, but Republicans blocked the measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune blamed Democrats for stalling negotiations.

The standoff reflects deeper partisan divides over immigration enforcement. Republicans demand increased border security funding and fewer restrictions on ICE operations, while Democrats seek oversight reforms and protections for certain programs. No breakthrough emerged from weekend talks, with another Senate vote attempt failing Friday.

Adding to the drama, billionaire Elon Musk offered Saturday to personally cover TSA salaries during the impasse. In an X post, Musk wrote: “I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country.” The gesture drew praise from some as pragmatic relief but raised legal and ethical questions about private funding of federal employees, given potential conflicts with anti-deficiency laws and Musk’s business interests in government-regulated sectors.

No formal response from the White House, DHS or TSA on Musk’s proposal or Trump’s deployment plan had been issued by Sunday evening. DHS officials have stressed ongoing efforts to mitigate impacts, including partnerships with airlines for crowd control, but acknowledged escalating risks if the shutdown persists.

Travelers face continued uncertainty. The TSA has urged checking airport wait times via its app or website and arriving early. Some small airports have warned of potential temporary closures if staffing drops further. Aviation groups and business leaders have called on Congress to prioritize resolution, citing economic costs from delays and cancellations.

As the shutdown approaches 40 days, the crisis highlights vulnerabilities in federal funding processes and the human toll on essential workers. With no immediate deal in sight, airports brace for potential ICE presence starting Monday — a move that could reshape security protocols while intensifying political battles over immigration and government operations.

The discussion of ways to mitigate any energy price rises came after the government’s cost-of-living tzar, Lord Walker, who is also chief executive of supermarket chain Iceland, suggested in the Sunday Times that energy companies and petrol stations should have their profits temporarily capped as oil prices jump.

Sydney — The persistent “jelly scrolling” issue that has frustrated iPad mini users for years may finally be resolved in Apple’s next-generation model, with strong rumors pointing to an OLED display transition in the 2026 iPad mini that could eliminate the problem entirely.

Known as jelly scrolling, the effect causes text and images to appear to wobble, stretch or bounce unevenly during rapid vertical scrolling in portrait mode. It stems from the way LCD panels refresh pixels row by row, with slight timing differences between the left and right halves of the screen creating a noticeable distortion. The issue first gained widespread attention with the iPad mini 6 in 2021 and persisted to varying degrees in subsequent models.

The current iPad mini 7, released in October 2024 with the A17 Pro chip, saw Apple implement hardware tweaks to the display assembly—reportedly including changes to panel orientation and refresh timing—to significantly reduce the effect. Early reviews from outlets like MacRumors and others described it as “fixed” or “much less noticeable,” with many users reporting it was no longer distracting for everyday tasks like reading articles or browsing social media. However, some reviewers, including The Verge, noted it remained present, albeit milder, and not fully eradicated on LCD technology.

Apple never officially acknowledged a complete fix for the iPad mini 7, but the improvements stemmed from unspecified display hardware adjustments rather than software updates. Slow-motion comparisons showed reduced wobble compared to the iPad mini 6, making it tolerable for most, though sensitive users still found it annoying in landscape or fast-scroll scenarios.

Now, attention has shifted to the next model—widely referred to as the iPad mini 8—expected later in 2026. Multiple reliable sources, including supply chain reports and analyst predictions, indicate Apple plans to adopt OLED panels for the iPad mini lineup starting this year. Unlike LCDs, OLED displays refresh pixels individually and instantly, eliminating the row-by-row scanning that causes jelly scrolling.

Reports from Display Supply Chain Consultants and industry insiders suggest production of OLED-equipped iPad mini panels could ramp up by late 2025, targeting a 2026 launch window—potentially in spring or fall, aligning with Apple’s typical update cycles. This upgrade would bring deeper blacks, better contrast, improved color accuracy and energy efficiency, alongside the complete removal of jelly scrolling artifacts.

The shift to OLED would mark a major leap for the compact tablet, which has stuck with LCD since its inception. Rumors also point to other enhancements: an advanced A-series chip (possibly the A20 or A19 Pro), increased RAM for better multitasking and Apple Intelligence features, and perhaps even higher refresh rates like 120Hz ProMotion in some configurations—though the base model may retain 60Hz to balance cost.

The jelly scrolling fix via OLED is seen as particularly impactful for the iPad mini’s core audience: readers, note-takers, travelers and professionals who favor portrait orientation. Users in fields like medicine, aviation and gaming have long cited the issue as a drawback when holding the device vertically for extended periods.

Analysts expect the 2026 iPad mini to maintain its signature 8.3-inch form factor, slim bezels and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. Pricing is anticipated to start around the current AU$799–$999 range (depending on storage), though the OLED premium could push entry-level models slightly higher unless Apple absorbs costs through economies of scale.

While no official confirmation has come from Apple, the consensus among leakers is that 2026 represents the biggest redesign opportunity since the iPad mini 6’s revival of the line. Earlier rumors of a 2025 refresh appear to have shifted, with the OLED transition requiring more lead time in manufacturing.

For current owners of the iPad mini 7, the jelly scrolling reduction has made the device more enjoyable long-term, as evidenced by 2026 user reviews praising its portability and performance despite the lingering minor effect. Many hold off upgrades until the OLED model arrives, betting on a transformative display experience.

Apple’s move to OLED across more iPads—including potential updates to the iPad Air—signals a broader push toward premium visuals in its tablet lineup. If the 2026 iPad mini delivers on these promises, it could silence one of the longest-standing complaints about the series and solidify its position as the go-to compact tablet.

As speculation builds toward an official announcement, fans await hands-on confirmation that the jelly scroll era is truly over. With OLED’s pixel-level control, the upcoming mini appears poised to offer the smooth, distortion-free scrolling experience users have demanded since 2021.

NEW YORK — Lady Gaga continues to dominate the pop landscape in 2026, delivering theatrical highs on her ongoing **Mayhem Ball** tour while teasing future projects that keep fans buzzing. The 14-time Grammy winner’s latest North American dates, including back-to-back performances at Madison Square Garden on March 19 and 20, 2026, drew rapturous reviews for their cinematic staging, emotional depth and vocal prowess.

The March 20 MSG show, part of the expanded leg announced last year, featured Gaga at her gothic best. Reviewers described it as a “gothic opera” with acts titled “And She Fell Into A Gothic Dream” and “The Beautiful Nightmare That Knows Her Name.” Fans wept during poignant moments, as Gaga blended hits from her 2025 album *Mayhem* with catalog staples like “Paparazzi” and “Lovegame.” The production included elaborate costumes, dramatic lighting and narrative arcs that evoked a dark fairy tale, solidifying her reputation as a live performer at her peak.

The tour, supporting *Mayhem* — which earned her Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2026 Grammys — kicked off in 2025 and has spanned Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Recent extensions added multiple nights in cities like Atlanta (March 4-5), Austin (March 8-9), Miami (March 13) and Washington, D.C. (March 23-24). Upcoming stops include Boston’s TD Garden on March 29, Montreal’s Bell Centre on April 2, Saint Paul on April 9 and a final New York run concluding April 13 at Madison Square Garden.

Gaga’s Grammy night earlier this year added to the momentum. She performed a rock-infused version of “Abracadabra” — which won Best Dance Pop Recording — despite nearly canceling due to the tight schedule after Japan dates. She also took home Best Pop Vocal Album for *Mayhem*. The performance, featuring archival Alexander McQueen pieces in memory of Lee McQueen, showcased her collaboration with producers Andrew Watt and Cirkut, plus drummer Josh Freese.

A trademark dispute over “Mayhem” resolved in her favor in late 2025, allowing uninterrupted use for the album, tour and merchandise. A federal court denied a preliminary injunction from surf brand Lost International, affirming artistic expression rights.

Beyond the stage, Gaga’s team confirmed development of a “very bombastic” large-scale project slated for 2026 release. Details remain confidential, fueling speculation about new music, a film or multimedia endeavor. Fans also anticipate a concert film from the Mayhem Ball, with reports of professional filming during her February 2026 Los Angeles Kia Forum run. Director Sam Wrench is reportedly involved, following a streaming bidding war. The project could capture the tour’s spectacle for global audiences later this year.

Gaga’s personal style continues to influence trends. She revived her signature hair bow in a coquette twist during Japan prep videos, pulling platinum blonde locks back with a black accessory that echoed her 2010s era while feeling fresh.

The tour’s success builds on her post-pandemic resurgence, including the Chromatica Ball in 2022 and recent awards recognition. With more than 1.3 million fans already served across 87 dates, the Mayhem Ball demonstrates her enduring draw. Upcoming shows promise continued innovation, blending pop anthems with theatrical storytelling.

As Gaga wraps the North American leg in April, attention turns to what follows — potentially a new era hinted at by her team. For now, Little Monsters savor the mayhem, with tickets for remaining dates moving fast via Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

In a career defined by reinvention, 2026 finds Lady Gaga thriving: commanding arenas, collecting Grammys and plotting her next bold move.

SYDNEY — Australia grapples with a deepening fuel crisis in March 2026, triggered by the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran that has disrupted global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. As of March 22, petrol prices have surged to record levels, regional shortages persist despite government assurances of adequate national stocks, and experts warn of potential rationing if disruptions continue beyond mid-April.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed on March 21 that six oil shipments bound for Australia in April have been turned back or deferred due to escalating tensions. The cancellations compound fears that key Asian suppliers like Malaysia and South Korea may prioritize domestic needs over exports. Bowen emphasized that overall supply remains stable, with petrol reserves at 38 days, diesel and jet fuel at 30 days — figures bolstered by releases from the strategic reserve following an International Energy Agency request.

The government has drawn down about six days’ worth of petrol and five days’ worth of diesel from emergency stockpiles to ease localized shortages. Bowen described the situation as secure until mid-April, crediting ongoing tanker arrivals and full operation of the nation’s two remaining refineries — Ampol’s Lytton in Brisbane and Viva Energy’s Geelong in Victoria — which meet less than 20 percent of demand. Australia imports roughly 90 percent of its refined fuels, leaving it vulnerable to global shocks.

Panic buying has amplified the crisis. Demand spiked by up to 50 percent in some areas as motorists filled tanks and jerry cans amid war headlines, leading to dry pumps at hundreds of service stations. In New South Wales, Premier Chris Minns reported 107 stations without diesel and 42 completely out of fuel as of mid-March. Similar issues hit regional Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria, where farmers face diesel shortages critical for machinery and transport.

Prices reflect the strain. National average unleaded petrol reached 219.5 cents per litre for the week ending March 15, according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum, up from around 169 cents before the conflict intensified. Diesel climbed to 245.6 cents per litre, with isolated reports of $3 per litre in parts of Sydney’s northern beaches. The surge — petrol up 31.8 percent and diesel 40.1 percent since late February — ranks among the sharpest in the developed world, per GlobalPetrolPrices data.

The International Energy Agency urged conservation measures, calling on Australians to work from home where possible, avoid non-essential air travel, reduce road speeds and use public transport. Bowen echoed the advice, noting no one-size-fits-all mandate but encouraging voluntary cuts to preserve supplies for essential services like farming, freight and emergency response.

Broader economic fallout looms. Experts warn a prolonged diesel shortage could halt the economy, empty supermarket shelves and spike food prices by up to 50 percent due to higher transport and production costs. Macrobusiness Chief Economist Leith van Onselen highlighted Australia’s uniquely low reserves — breaching IEA’s 90-day requirement — as a long-ignored vulnerability. Defence analysts described the situation as “absolutely pathetic,” blaming decades of policy inaction on fuel security.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched a probe into major fuel retailers over alleged anti-competitive conduct, while the government formed a National Fuel Supply Taskforce to coordinate distribution. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held emergency National Cabinet talks, with states “war gaming” rationing scenarios though reluctant to implement them publicly.

Critics point to structural issues: only two refineries remain after closures, and reliance on Asian imports exposes the nation to geopolitical risks. Some called for faster development of domestic resources in South Australia and Queensland, though experts note such solutions require years, not weeks.

As March 22 draws to a close in Sydney, motorists face queues, price caps at pumps and signs limiting purchases. The government insists no immediate national shortage exists, but warnings persist: if tankers face prolonged delays, mid-April could mark a tipping point. For now, conservation and calm remain the official message amid a crisis that has exposed Australia’s energy fragility.