Global pop sensation BTS is poised for one of the most anticipated returns in music history, with the group’s full seven-member reunion set to culminate in a new studio album, a historic live streamed concert and the launch of their massive “BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’” in the coming weeks.

The K-pop supergroup — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — completed mandatory military service in South Korea last year, with Suga as the final member discharged in June 2025. The hiatus allowed each member to pursue solo projects while fans, known as ARMY, eagerly awaited news of a group comeback.

That wait ends this month. BTS’s fifth studio album, titled “Arirang,” is scheduled for release on March 20, 2026. The project is described by sources close to the group as a reflective exploration of personal growth, longing and love, building on the themes that have defined their discography since their 2013 debut.

To mark the album drop, BTS will headline a special comeback concert titled “BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang” on March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. The open-air event, directed by veteran concert filmmaker Hamish Hamilton, will stream live globally on Netflix, allowing millions of fans worldwide to witness the performance in real time. The setlist is expected to blend classic hits with new tracks from “Arirang,” transforming the historic plaza — often called the “Street of Six Ministries” and a symbol of Korean heritage — into a massive stage.

Netflix will follow up with additional BTS content later in March. A feature-length documentary, “BTS: The Return,” premieres March 27, 2026, offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the group’s preparations, reunions and creative process leading to this chapter.

The momentum builds into April with the official kickoff of the “BTS World Tour ‘Arirang.’” The tour begins April 9, 2026, with the first of three shows at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in Goyang, South Korea (additional dates April 11 and 12). It then moves to Tokyo, Japan, for two nights on April 17 and 18.

The North American leg starts April 25-26 and 28 in Tampa, Florida, at Raymond James Stadium, with additional multi-night stands planned in major markets including Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium (four shows in September) and other U.S. venues. The itinerary spans Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania, with confirmed stops in cities such as London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, July 6-7), Madrid, Brussels and more. Organizers have indicated the full run could exceed 82 dates across 34 cities in 23 countries, extending into March 2027, with potential additions in regions like the Middle East and Japan.

This marks BTS’s first large-scale world tour in four years, following the 2019 “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself” run. Analysts project massive commercial success. Financial experts at firms including IBK Investment & Securities and Heungkuk Securities estimate the 2026 portion alone could generate at least $1.87 billion in ticket and merchandise revenue, potentially rivaling Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” as one of the highest-grossing concert series ever. Projections factor in average attendance of 64,000 per show and total crowds exceeding 5-6 million fans across the confirmed and anticipated dates.

Tickets for many shows sold out rapidly during presales and general onsales in January and February 2026, with secondary market demand driving high resale prices in some markets. To broaden access, select concerts will be available via live cinema broadcasts. In partnership with Trafalgar Releasing, HYBE and BIGHIT MUSIC, full-length live viewings of the April 11 Goyang show and April 18 Tokyo performance will screen in theaters across more than 75 countries starting in April. Tickets went on sale February 25, 2026, via dedicated sites like btsliveviewing.com.

The tour features a 360-degree in-the-round stadium production, promising immersive visuals, elaborate staging and high-energy choreography that have become BTS hallmarks. Members have teased innovative set designs and fan-engagement elements to celebrate the reunion.

BIGHIT MUSIC and Live Nation, the tour promoters, continue to update schedules via official channels including Weverse, btsworldtourofficial.com and 2026bts.com. Recent notices include details for North America and Europe ticketing, as well as online live streaming options for select Korean shows.

The comeback arrives at a pivotal moment for K-pop’s global dominance. BTS’s influence extends beyond music into fashion, philanthropy and cultural diplomacy, with the group previously addressing the United Nations and earning multiple Grammy nominations. This return underscores their enduring appeal, with analysts noting the tour’s scale could set new benchmarks for concert economics and fan experiences.

Fans worldwide have expressed excitement mixed with logistical planning for travel and tickets. Social media buzz around #BTSArirang and #BTS2026 has trended repeatedly since announcements began in early 2026.

As March approaches, anticipation builds for what many call BTS’s most significant era yet — a triumphant return fueled by new music, historic performances and a world tour designed to reconnect with ARMY on an unprecedented scale.

The founder of the North East-based technology and managed cyber security services business answers our questions

Kevin Howell is the entrepreneur behind HTG, which employs 20 staff and serves customers nationwide.

What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? Trainee software engineer (YTS) £29.50 a week and a £6.50 bus pass — certainly not much money, but a great starting point and a foot in the door.

What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? It’s an old one, but find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. I think this is getting tougher, but passion and attitude are key for me and still make a huge difference day to day.

What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? Speed of change. Covid, AI, and cyber security threats have accelerated delays and decision paralysis (for the better) and forced organisations to rethink how they operate. Challenges faced are innovation being seen as a cost, not an enabler. Lots of key clients have been told to keep the lights on and reduce spend, a major backward step in my opinion when you have the opportunity to be a disruptor and be an innovator (be a Netflix or stay the same Nokia/BlackBerry/Blockbuster.)

What would your dream job be? It’s a bit sad/boring, sorry — but a professional golfer or footballer, but sadly lacking the ability

What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? I get this asked a lot. We all come from different backgrounds and abilities, but I would say don’t compare yourself to others, and commit to being the best person you can be because progress is different for everyone.

What makes the North East a good place to do business? The North East is well-known to be friendly, hardworking, and dare I say… trustworthy. I often say our company name, HTG, means Have To Graft, but we all are doing the graft to help each other and deliver the best outcome for our customers and partners, which creates strong long-term relationships. Without them, we don’t exist.

How important is it for business to play a role in society? This resonates with me a lot. When I left school in 1990, things in the North East were pretty grim and all the talk was about looking in the rear-view mirror, past success about Swan Hunter shipyards, coal mining etc — massive parts of our heritage and pride, which were history. What stood out was pride, passion and graft, which are a massive heritage and still exist today. Whatever you call it, given the opportunity the North East has what it takes to deliver the next generation of AI with the human in the loop. Our compassion and genuine awareness of what people need/want — with the secret sauce also known as experience — could be a game changer.

Outside of work, what are you really good at? Golf and developing the next generation of England golfers

Who would play you in a film about your life? Some say Hugh Grant after my awful dance at my 50th — apparently the resemblance was uncanny.

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? Kevin Keegan, Chuck D (Public Enemy), and Steve Jobs — all are such disruptors and influencers in life for a variety of reasons and have shaped culture, leadership, and innovation in very different ways.

Burger King is updating its signature Whopper for the first time in nearly a decade, the company announced Thursday.

After receiving feedback from customers, the fast-food chain said it will now serve the burger on a “more premium, better tasting bun,” and in a box instead of the current paper wrapper.

“Over the past several years, we’ve focused on strengthening our operations and modernizing our restaurants to build a more consistent foundation across the system,” said Tom Curtis, president of Burger King U.S. and Canada. “With that work well underway, we’re now in a position to thoughtfully elevate our core menu. The Whopper is an icon, so we didn’t set out to reinvent it. Instead, we elevated it based on direct Guest feedback.”

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The new Burger King Whopper is served in a box instead of a paper wrapper. (Burger King)

The “elevated” burger will still be served with freshly cut onions and tomatoes, lettuce, tangy pickles, but will now have “better tasting mayo,” the company said. The burger patty will remain the same.

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The Whopper was created in 1957 after Burger King co-founders James McLamore and David Edgerton were on a return trip to Miami.

People visit a Burger King restaurant on Oct. 25, 2024, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

McLamore spotted a restaurant with a sign advertising a big hamburger that had a line of customers out front, according to McLamore’s autobiography. He ordered the burger, which consisted of a quarter pound hamburger patty on a big five-inch bun served with lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, pickles, onions and ketchup, and later introduced a “big garnished hamburger” in the company’s Miami restaurants.

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The original Whopper sold for 37 cents, about $4.36 today.

“You don’t want to just tear up the playbook and start all over,” Curtis told CNN Business. “It’s like we’re putting our famous iconic burger in a tuxedo instead of a leisure suit.”

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The changes will cost Burger King franchisees an extra $4,000 per year, the outlet reported.

State Farm announced Thursday that it will pay the largest dividend in company history to auto loan customers, who are in line to receive $5 billion in cash back.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, also known as State Farm Mutual, said it will make a one-time distribution this summer to customers across over 49 million vehicles covered by State Farm Mutual auto policies.

The company’s dividend payments are expected to average $100 by vehicle and will vary based on the policyholder’s state of residence as well as the premiums they paid.

INSURANCE GIANT LIFTS CAP ON CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNERS POLICIES, BUT IT COMES AT A COST

State Farm announced that the $5 billion dividend for auto insurance customers will be its largest ever. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

“As a mutual company with a customer-first focus, State Farm Mutual is able to provide value directly to our customers while maintaining financial strength to keep our promises in the future. That translated this year to lower auto rates and cash back in the form of a $5 billion policyholder dividend,” said Jon Farney, State Farm Mutual president and CEO.

State Farm’s announcement also noted that a downward trend in auto repair costs as well as the frequency of collisions in 2025 allowed the company to lower auto rates in 40 states.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COSTS COULD SPIKE OVER NEXT 2 YEARS

Auto repair costs have eased recently but have outpaced inflation over the last year. ( Pia Bayer/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Auto insurance rate reductions are averaging 10% and State Farm Mutual noted that the total amount of savings on premiums for consumers totaled $4.6 billion.

The latest consumer price index (CPI) inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that motor vehicle insurance prices declined 0.4% from December to January.

Additionally, the CPI data showed that motor vehicle insurance prices were just 0.5% higher than they were a year ago.

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State Farm said that a decrease in collisions helped allow for lower rates as well as the dividend. (Matteo Della Torre/NurPhoto)

That figure is well below the overall CPI inflation data, which was up 2.4% on an annual basis in January.

Auto repair costs rose by a modest 0.2% in January on a monthly basis, though they were 5.7% higher than a year ago last month, BLS data showed.

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On Friday morning, groups representing roughly 700,000 tech workers within Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, all companies that have their own contracts with the Defence Department, signed an open letter urging the companies they worked for to also “refuse to comply” with the Pentagon’s demands.

Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra on February 25, 2026, during its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, positioning the device as the company’s most advanced AI-focused smartphone yet. The premium flagship introduces hardware refinements, a groundbreaking privacy feature and performance boosts while maintaining the familiar large-screen, S Pen-equipped design that has defined Ultra models.

Here are 10 essential details about the Galaxy S26 Ultra based on official specifications and announcements.

1. **World-First Built-in Privacy Display**
The standout innovation is the Privacy Display, a hardware-level feature that limits screen visibility from side angles. When activated, the display blacks out or obscures content for onlookers while remaining fully visible to the user facing it directly. This pixel-level privacy technology addresses growing concerns about shoulder surfing in public spaces, marking a first for smartphones. Samsung emphasized its commitment to user security, with the feature complementing existing software privacy tools.

2. **6.9-Inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display**
The device retains a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz) and Vision Booster for enhanced outdoor visibility. Peak brightness reaches around 2,600 nits for HDR content. The screen uses Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection and features thinner bezels for a more immersive experience. Anti-reflective coating reduces glare, making it ideal for media consumption and productivity.

3. **Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Processor**
Powering the S26 Ultra is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 customized for Galaxy, built on a 3nm process. Samsung claims 19% faster CPU performance, 24% improved GPU and 39% enhanced NPU for AI tasks compared to predecessors. This enables smoother multitasking, gaming and on-device AI processing. The chip supports better thermal management, keeping the device cool during intensive use like video editing or extended gaming sessions.

4. **Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB Storage**
Configurations include 12GB or 16GB RAM options, paired with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB UFS storage. Higher RAM variants maximize multitasking and AI features. No microSD expansion is available, so users must select appropriately at purchase. Storage upgrades were offered as pre-order incentives in some markets.

5. **Advanced Quad-Camera System with Brighter Apertures**
The rear setup features a 200MP wide main sensor (f/1.4 aperture for better low-light performance), 50MP ultra-wide (f/1.9), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4) and 50MP 5x periscope telephoto (f/2.9). Optical zoom covers 3x and 5x natively, with up to 10x optical-quality zoom via adaptive pixel technology. The front camera is 12MP (f/2.2) with an AI-enhanced image signal processor for natural selfies. Video upgrades include improved Super Steady stabilization with horizontal lock.

6. **5,000mAh Battery with 60W Fast Charging**
Battery capacity remains 5,000mAh, delivering up to 31 hours of video playback under lab conditions. A major upgrade is 60W wired charging (up from 45W), allowing quicker top-ups. Wireless charging hits 25W, with reverse wireless charging supported. The combination provides all-day endurance for heavy users.

7. **Thinner, Lighter Design at 7.9mm and 214g**
Dimensions are 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9mm, weighing 214g — slimmer and lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra despite the large screen. The frame uses refined Armor Aluminum with rounded ergonomic corners for better one-handed comfort. It maintains IP68 water and dust resistance. The integrated S Pen stylus features a curved top for improved grip and matching device contours.

8. **Galaxy AI Enhancements and One UI 8.5 on Android 16**
Running Android 16 with One UI 8.5, the phone emphasizes intuitive AI. Features leverage the powerful NPU for faster generative tools, real-time context understanding and agentic AI capabilities. Bixby interactions are refined, with deeper Gemini integration previewed. Samsung promises extended software support, including security updates.

9. **Pricing Holds Steady at $1,299 Starting**
The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,299 for the 256GB model — unchanged from the S25 Ultra — while base S26 and S26+ models saw increases. Pre-orders began February 25, 2026, with general availability on March 11, 2026. Offers include up to $900 trade-in credit or $150 toward accessories on Samsung.com. Colors and regional variants vary.

10. **Positioned as Productivity and Media Powerhouse**
Samsung markets the S26 Ultra as the ultimate all-in-one for creators and power users. It combines top-tier performance, camera versatility, display quality and unique privacy features. Early hands-on reports highlight comfortable ergonomics, bright visuals and responsive AI, though full reviews await real-world testing.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra arrives amid intense competition in the premium Android space, with Samsung focusing on meaningful refinements over radical redesigns. Pre-orders are live through Samsung’s site, carriers and retailers, with availability expanding globally from March 11.

In aviation, careers are built one flight at a time. For Robert McRath, that journey started long before he ever sat in a cockpit.

Today, McRath is a Captain at Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. He leads with calm focus, strong discipline, and a deep respect for the responsibility that comes with flying passengers every day.

His story is not about overnight success. It is about steady progress, early curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learning and service.

“I’ve been interested in aviation since I was in middle school,” McRath says. “Once that spark hit, it never really went away.”

Early Life in St. Louis and a Passion for Aviation

Robert McRath grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Like many pilots, he developed a love for flight at a young age.

In middle school, aviation caught his attention. While other students were still figuring out what they wanted to do, McRath was already looking up.

“I remember being fascinated by how planes worked,” he says. “It felt like the sky was this open path.”

That early interest gave him direction. It also gave him motivation to work toward something bigger.

At the same time, McRath was active in the Boy Scouts from an early age. That experience shaped his character.

He eventually earned the rank of Eagle Scout, one of the highest achievements in scouting.

“Scouting taught me leadership before I ever thought about being a captain,” he says. “You learn responsibility early.”

Education at Saint Louis University and Flight Team Leadership

McRath took his passion for aviation to Saint Louis University. He studied aviation science and graduated in 2019, Cum Laude.

His time at SLU was not only about classes. It was about building real-world experience.

He became involved with the Flying Billikens Flight Team, one of the university’s standout aviation programs.

“The flight team was where aviation became real for me,” McRath says. “It pushed me to improve every day.”

The Flying Billikens helped him develop technical skills, teamwork, and confidence under pressure.

He also earned recognition for his academic work. McRath received an aviation science research project award, showing his ability to think beyond the basics.

“I liked digging deeper into aviation,” he says. “There’s always more to learn about safety, systems, and how we operate.”

That mindset is one of the reasons he has become a leader in his field.

Career Path to Endeavor Air Captain

After college, McRath entered the aviation industry. Like many pilots, he worked step by step toward larger roles.

Over time, his dedication and skill led him to Endeavor Air.

Endeavor is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines and plays a key role in regional flight operations across the United States.

McRath now serves as a Captain, a position that requires sharp decision-making and steady leadership.

“As a captain, you’re responsible for more than flying,” he explains. “You’re responsible for the whole operation and the people around you.”

In the cockpit, leadership is not loud. It is calm, prepared, and focused.

“You have to stay grounded,” he says. “Passengers trust you without ever meeting you.”

That trust is what drives his professionalism every day.

What Makes a Leader in the Aviation Industry

Aviation is an industry built on precision. Leaders in this space are defined by consistency, training, and responsibility.

McRath’s leadership style reflects his background.

From Eagle Scout lessons to flight team discipline, he has always worked with structure and purpose.

“I’ve always believed in showing up prepared,” he says. “That’s how you earn trust.”

As a captain, he supports his crew, communicates clearly, and stays focused on safety.

In many ways, his role is not just technical. It is human.

“You’re working with a team,” McRath says. “Everyone has to be on the same page.”

That ability to lead quietly but effectively is what sets strong aviation professionals apart.

Giving Back to the Flying Billikens Community

Even with a demanding career, McRath stays connected to where it all started.

He continues to share his time and knowledge with the Flying Billikens Flight Team at Saint Louis University.

This is an important part of his story.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without that team,” he says. “So I want to help others coming up behind me.”

Mentorship is a form of leadership that often goes unseen. But it matters deeply in aviation.

New pilots learn best from those who have walked the path before them.

McRath’s willingness to give back shows that leadership is not only about rank. It is about service.

Lessons from Robert McRath’s Aviation Journey

Robert McRath’s career offers a clear message: success in aviation comes from discipline, learning, and steady growth.

His journey started with curiosity in middle school. It grew through scouting, education, and teamwork. And it continues today at the captain level.

“Flying is still something I respect every single day,” he says. “You never stop learning in this industry.”

From St. Louis to the skies, McRath represents the kind of grounded leadership aviation depends on.

His story is not flashy. It is focused. And that is exactly what makes it worth reading.

In a world that moves fast, aviation demands calm professionals who lead with purpose.

Robert McRath is one of them.

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