Iran is not being subtle. 

In exercises in one of the world’s most strategic waterways, it left little doubt of its capabilities with missile strikes on dummy targets and simulated tanker seizures.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wasn’t mincing his words either.

“A warship is a dangerous device,” he said. “But more dangerous than that is a weapon that can send that warship deep under the sea.”

A fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s exercises have closed it, albeit temporarily, giving a clear sense of what could be to come if the US strikes Iran.

Just a few hundred miles east, a formidable array of US military forces is also amassing.

Read more: Iran and US agree ‘guiding principles’ after talks

The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has been conducting exercises of its own. The kind you only carry out if you are preparing for offensive action.

A stretch of water the world relies on for 20% of its oil is becoming cluttered with rival navies, both drilling for war. What could possibly go wrong?

So, what are the chances of diplomacy averting the chances of conflict?

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, emerged from talks sounding hopeful. He’s optimistic that the basis for future negotiations has been laid, but warned that an agreement could still be a long way off.

A seasoned diplomat and veteran of negotiations with the West, he cannot afford to look obstructive. The Iranians will want to play for time.

US President Donald Trump has said failure to do a deal could lead to strikes on Iran.

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But the Iranians say a deal on the terms that Trump is currently proposing would be tantamount to surrender. Giving up its nuclear enrichment completely is a red line. Trump says it’s a prerequisite.

Squaring that, and many other circles, will be fiendishly difficult.

Without progress, the region is undoubtedly moving closer to war.

The bird was rescued by New Arc Wildlife Rescue but could not be saved due to being too weak to recover.

A puffin who washed up on an Aberdeenshire beach in stormy weather has died aged 34. The bird was discovered on January 29 on Balmedie Beach.

It was later taken to New Arc Wildlife Rescue, along with eight other birds. Rescuers discovered the bird was the oldest rescue they had ever came across.

This information came via data from a ring issued by the British Trust for Ornithology on the puffin’s feet. They found the bird was ringed on the Isle of May in 1995, when it was aged three.

A post from New Arc Wildlife Rescue confirmed that the bird sadly passed away after being too weak to recover. The organisation wrote: “Among the many puffins admitted into our care in recent weeks was this extraordinary individual. This puffin, found on Balmedie Beach, carried a leg ring issued by the BTO British Trust for Ornithology.

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“We notified the BTO of the recovery, enabling them to update their records. Such information is invaluable, helping scientists monitor movement, longevity, and population trends: data that underpins conservation efforts and informs future conservation strategies.

“Yesterday, we received this puffin’s ringing history…. and what a history it was. The bird had been originally ringed on the Isle of May, on the 11th May 1995.

“At the time of ringing the puffin was estimated to be at least 3 years old. This means that at the time of rescue, this remarkable puffin was over 34 years old, making them the oldest Atlantic puffin ever admitted into our care, and the oldest bird we have ever had a ring recovery for at New Arc Wildlife Rescue.

“Sadly, despite our best efforts, this resilient seabird, like so many others affected by the wreck, was too weak to recover and passed away in our care. While we could not return them to the sea, we are honoured to have cared for such an extraordinary individual in their final chapter. Over more than three decades, this puffin would have weathered countless storms, shifting oceans, and changing seas.”

They continued: “As many of you will know from following our page, a significant puffin wreck has been unfolding along our coastline. In recent weeks, dead and exhausted puffins have been washing ashore not only here, but along much of the UK’s coast and as far south as France, Spain, and Portugal.

“While official figures are still being compiled, it is likely that this event has had a serious impact on the European population of the Atlantic puffin. Prolonged severe weather is thought to be a major factor, creating turbulent seas that make hunting extremely difficult and driving fish stocks deeper beyond the birds’ reach. For a species already facing significant pressures, such events can be devastating.

“Their story is a powerful reminder that no bird is “just a bird.” Each one carries a lifetime of journeys we rarely see and stories we may never fully know. These remarkable creatures are true wonders of the natural world, and they deserve our respect, compassion, and continued commitment to their protection.”

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An 18-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday after he ran toward the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., armed with a loaded shotgun. Capitol Police intercepted the individual on the west side of the building.

Police Chief Michael Sullivan confirmed the man had parked a Mercedes SUV nearby before running “several hundred yards” toward the Capitol.

Officers quickly apprehended him and ordered him to the ground. Speaking at a press conference, Chief Sullivan stated the suspect was wearing a tactical vest and gloves. A Kevlar helmet and gas mask were also discovered in his vehicle, alongside additional ammunition.

During a press conference, Chief Sullivan revealed the man was wearing a tactical vest and gloves, with a Kevlar helmet and gas mask found in his vehicle.

The shotgun was loaded, and he carried extra ammunition. The motive remains under investigation, including whether members of Congress, who are currently not in session, were the intended target. While the department possesses video footage, Chief Sullivan appealed to the public for any additional recordings of the incident.

“Who knows what would have happened if we wouldn’t have officers standing here?” the chief said, adding that the department had run active shooter drills in almost the identical spot in recent months.

Sullivan said the young man was not known to authorities and described him as not being from the area. The chief said the vehicle was not registered to the suspect, who has multiple addresses.

As a thank you to families who have supported the Maya’s Law campaign, launched by Maya Chappell’s great aunts Gemma and Rachael, a pancake party was held in Consett on Sunday (February 16).

Defenceless Maya, two, died in Newcastle’s RVI days after being violently shaken by her mother’s new partner, Michael Daymond, at their home in Shotton Colliery in September 2022.

Gemma Chappell (left), Rachael Walls (centre) from the Maya’s Law campaign and Jemma Bushby from Creative Kitchen HQ (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

Daymond was later jailed for life, while Maya’s mother, Dana Carr, received a nine-year sentence for allowing her daughter’s death.

Gemma Chappell (left), Rachael Walls (right) from the Maya’s Law campaign and Jemma Bushby (centre) from Creative Kitchen HQ (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

The campaign is calling for the introduction of a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS), alongside stronger multi-agency information sharing, to close gaps in the safeguarding system, and a petition hit 100,000 signatures last month.

The cooking event on Sunday at Creative Kitchen HQ was also about keeping conversations going around safeguarding, Gemma said.

Creative Kitchen HQ boss Jemma Bushby, who has supported the campaign from the outset, said she was keen to bring families together while creating a relaxed space to talk about the importance of protecting children.

Children cracked, mixed, poured and flipped their way through the session, each making their own pancake batter before cooking them.

Maya’s Law pancake event (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

They then decorated their creations with fruit and sweet treats, resulting in what organisers described as “lots of chocolate-covered smiles”.

Young attendees also had the chance to practise pancake flipping with mini pans and design their ultimate pancake creations.

Maya’s Law pancake event (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

Maya’s Law pancake event (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

The party was part-funded by Maya’s Law, helping to reduce costs for local families.

Maya’s Law pancake event (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

Maya’s Law pancake event (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

With a petition now surpassing 110,000 signatures and North East MPs backing calls for a parliamentary debate, organisers say community events like the Pancake Party are an important reminder of the people behind the campaign.

One organiser said: “This campaign is about giving Maya a voice.

“Days like this are about bringing families together, building life skills and reminding everyone why safeguarding matters.”

The new service will operate in the early hours of the morning on certain weeknights

A university has launched a new shuttle bus service to bring students home safely after a night out in town.

Queen’s University Belfast’s Get Home Safe service launched on February 11, and offers students free transport home from Kremlin and Limelight to the Holyland area every Wednesday and Thursday night, with pickups at 12am and 2am.

The pilot initative is delivered in partnership with SOS Bus NI, and is part of the wider Queen’s safety programme, which also includes its PSNI-backed drink check initative to combat drink spiking, and campus safety events.

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The new service directly responds to concerns raised by students regarding late-night travel, and aims to provide a safe, reliable way to get home, while supporting a safer night-time economy in the city.

Each shuttle bus fits seven students, and to access the service, they will simply need to show the driver their student card. Students will be picked up at Kremlin and Limelight, with the service going from there to the Holylands area. The pilot scheme is in place from now until the end of April.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the president of Queen’s University Students’ Union, Amy Smith, said the new service is a proactive measure to ensure student safety. She said: “It makes sure students have a great night out and don’t have to worry about how they get home.

“It’s also great as the bus is free which is helping with our cost of living priorities. We know the cost of living is a current crisis for our students, so we would never want them to worry about that and compromise that over their safety.

“All students have to do is have their student card, or have their student card on the app. If they show that to their driver, they’ll let them on then the driver will bring them home safety.

“It’s going to provide a lot of reassurance to students. Rather than reacting to a crisis, it’s just preventing things that could happen in the future.”

Queen’s University’s Neighbourhood Engagement Officer, Ryan Rankin, said the new service is directly responding to concerns students have expressed. He said the selected venues came based on student demand, but that if there is demand for other venues, the university will take this on board.

He added: “Limelight is a very popular student location, and we wanted to pick another location in the city centre which is popular, and somewhere students would maybe otherwise walk to, which is Kremlin.

“We are listening to feedback and if feedback comes back with different venues that would work, we will certainly take that on board in the future.”

SOS Bus NI CEO, Micky Murray, said they are happy to team up with Queen’s University for the initative, and hopes it provides reassurance for students.

He said: “We want to make sure students get home safely during the week on those nights there is no late night public transport.

“We’re hearing straight from students that this initative which only launched last week is making them feel safer, helping them feel more comfortable when they’re out as there is a fear of being assaulted or being a victim when out when travelling home in the early hours of the morning.”

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Netflix’s upcoming live-action reboot of the iconic Scooby-Doo franchise has reportedly found its first star in a horror legend to play the role of Daphne Blake

A highly anticipated Netflix reboot of an iconic mystery franchise has reportedly secured its first lead.

Deadline has confirmed that actress McKenna Grace is the first star to be cast in the streamer’s upcoming live-action Scooby-Doo series from Berlanti Productions.

Sources have said she will portray Daphne, the resourceful redhead who joins booksmart Velma, perpetually hungry Shaggy and team leader Fred as they solve spooky mysteries as Mystery Inc.

Midnight Radio, Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television’s reboot of the beloved animated series, which began in 1969, was confirmed to be in development last spring.

Josh Appelbaum (Heads of State) and Scott Rosenberg (Jumanji) are penning the currently untitled series based on the mystery-solving teens and their talking dog created by Hanna-Barbera, reports the Express.

The eight-episode drama will relaunch the franchise with a brand new origin story for the Mystery Inc gang, including their first encounter with their cowardly pooch Scooby and the haunted case that brought them together.

A synopsis via Deadline reads: “During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder.

“Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”

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Actress Grace certainly possesses sufficient horror credentials to tackle ‘Danger Prone’ Daphne, having recently appeared in the hit slasher sequel Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.

She also holds a significant role as Phoebe Spengler in the revamped Ghostbusters franchise and previously starred as Theodora Crain in the acclaimed supernatural drama The Haunting of Hill House.

Grace will also feature in the forthcoming Scream 7, which will witness the return of Matthew Lillard to the franchise, a fellow Scooby star who has portrayed Shaggy in live-action and has voiced him in numerous films and series.

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Beyond horror, Grace is also recognised for roles in The Handmaid’s Tale and Regretting You, and will be portraying Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, arriving in cinemas this November.

Daphne was previously portrayed by Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar in the two films which also featured Lillard, plus Freddie Prinze Jr as Fred and Linda Cardellini as Velma.

Netflix’s untitled Scooby-Doo series does not yet have a release date.

The polite and chivalrous world of curling was dragged through the mud this week, rocked by a cheating scandal and cries of foul play. Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson accused Canada’s Marc Kennedy of cheating; the latter was so incensed by the accusation that he went on an expletive-laden rant in his opponent’s face, only for videos to emerge supporting the Swede entirely.

World Curling eventually stepped in, attempting to calm the controversy with additional umpiring measures, which caught out Canada’s women’s team and Britain’s men, before backing off again, returning to the status quo of players largely self-refereeing.

That gentleman’s agreement was in place for Tuesday’s penultimate round of group stage matches, and although spectators watched eagerly for any sign of illegal double-touching, there was no flinging of cheating allegations or mutterings of suspicion.

Instead, under the lights in Cortina’s Curling Olympic Stadium, was something much simpler: good old-fashioned sporting nationalism.

The match of the night was Italy against the US, with both still in with a chance of making the semi-finals. The US sat in fifth place, with a 4-3 record; Italy a place behind and with three wins and losses each. The old arena had the feel of the San Siro, with crowds of Italian ultras banging on the wooden slats and stamping on the metal grates underfoot at every stone thrown.

Italy’s quartet gesticulated to the fans to up the volume even more; the US’ Aidan Oldenburg opted to play the villain, encouraging the boos and jeers. American Daniel Casper did himself no favours when he slipped and fell on his backside on the ice; shouts of “It-al-ia” drowned out the standard “U-S-A” that accompanies any sporting event.

With all that happening on the next sheet over, Team GB tried to get on with things.

The Beijing silver medallists have found themselves in a tighter corner than they would have expected going into this tournament. This had looked like a must-win game before results went in their favour earlier on Tuesday, with the USA – who GB face in their final round robin game – and Germany losing.

That good fortune gave them a little more breathing room tonight, but it was hardly the position anyone thought the reigning world champions would be in.

And they made a poor start, with an error by Bruce Mouat with his first stone allowing Canada to go 2-0 up after the first end. A double takeout by Canada in the second end restricted GB to just one point, before Mouat responded in kind in the third end to keep within reach of Canada’s 3-1 lead.

open image in gallery

Kennedy was disappointed in the fourth end as he called for the measuring compass to come out, to determine which side was closer to the house, and Eriksson may have derived some satisfaction from the result: Britain took two to level proceedings.

Kennedy made a major error in the fifth end, knocking his own stone out of play to leave GB lying three up, but skip Brad Jacobs snuck back in, drawing into the middle to gain a point and put Canada back in front, 4-3 at the break.

A beautiful stone by Mouat, nestled on the button, meant GB went ahead for the first time in the game in the sixth end, with Canada’s mistakes – this time an error by Jacobs – allowing them back in.

But momentum rapidly swung the other way. In the seventh end a pile-up of errors meant Mouat had to take out three stones, and he only managed one. Jacobs – the 2014 Olympic champion – made up for his earlier clanger with a brilliant final throw, lodging dead in the centre of the house, to score three.

With Canada 7-5 up going into the final three ends GB’s mistakes started to pile up. Canada sat four up inside the house and Bobby Lammie landed a crucial yellow short of the rings, with Mouat drawing too short as well and failing to put pressure on Jacobs’ final shot. Another point to Canada extended their advantage to 8-5.

Pandemonium erupted as Italy cemented an 8-5 win over the USA, which helpfully overshadowed GB conceding 9-5 after the ninth end.

It leaves the 2022 silver medallists hanging on by a thread after four defeats, needing to beat the USA in their final round robin clash on Wednesday, and hoping that other results will go their way in order to squeak into the semi-finals.

Canada waved to their faithful high up in the stands, while GB snuck away, dreams of defending or improving on that medal dented, if not crushed entirely.

Late Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek renewed his wedding vows with his wife, Kimberly, days before his death in an intimate ceremony

James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly sweetly renewed their wedding vows just days before his death. The Dawson’s Creek star died aged 48 on February 11 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The couple reportedly had an intimate ceremony prior to his death. They were said to have been supported by friends and family. James and Kimberly share six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4. They first tied the knot in August 2010. It’s now been said that one of the actor’s final acts was to renew their vows.

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Wife Kimberly told People Magazine of the moving moment. She said: “We decided two days beforehand, and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from bed.”

She went on to call the moment “simple and beautiful and moving”. She revealed loved ones were able to watch along on Zoom.

Music was provided by one of the couple’s close friends, Porangui. The last song for the service was a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Just days later, Kimberly was announcing her husband’s death. In a heartbreaking statement to her followers she said at the time: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.

“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

It wasn’t the only move James made in the weeks before his death. He also secured his family home, with the help of famous pals. A month before he died, the actor bought a £3.5million ranch for his large family to call their own.

The property in Texas boasts 36 acres of land. The pricy purchase came after the family moved from Los Angeles to Spicewood, Texas, in 2020. At the time, they had opted to lease the property initially.

However, James was keen to call the property their own to help provide a stable environment for his family after his death. According to Realtor.com, the home was bought for $4.76 million in an off-market deal on January 9. Among it’s amenities are a number of cabins, a pool and a large back yard.

James’ final weeks were said to see the star grow weaker. Speaking to Daily Mail, a source said that despite his public optimism, James realised time was running out.

“James was on hospice for several weeks and he was rail thin when he passed,” they said. “He was mostly in bed because he was very weak, and he was not eating.”

They added his deterioration was growing increasingly harder to watch in his final days. They said: “He was in hospice, they held his hand and were there for him, of course.”

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The DWP has confirmed that it plans to complete migration of claimants on income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit by March

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed its intention to complete the transition of claimants on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit by March.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, also stated that part of this migration process will involve ESA claimants moving to the Universal Credit Health Element.

Welfare reforms set to be implemented in April aim to address these ‘perverse incentives’ by introducing a lower Universal Credit Health Element rate of £217.26 per month for new claimants, compared to the higher rate of £429.80.

Those with the most severe, lifelong conditions, those nearing end of life, and all existing Universal Credit health claimants will continue to receive the higher rate. The change does not affect existing claimants, only new applicants.

Sir Stephen’s remarks were made in a written response to Labour MP Amanda Martin, who queried whether claimants with disabilities, receiving the Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) and legacy work-related benefits, will be “treated as new claimants for the purposes of the proposed changes to the Health Element of Universal Credit when they are migrated”.

The Portsmouth North MP also questioned whether claimants on legacy benefits transitioning to the Universal Credit system would “see a reduction in their income as a result of these proposed changes”, reports the Daily Record.

The DWP Minister responded: “The Department plans to complete migration of ESA claimants to Universal Credit by March 2026. As part of this ESA claimants will be migrated to the Universal Credit Health Element. To protect any claimants who have not migrated by April 2026 we intend to mirror as closely as possible the changes made in Universal Credit in the ESA rates.

“Changes to the ‘support component’ and the two disability premia (severe and enhanced disability premium rates) will reflect changes to Universal Credit LCWRA ( Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity) rates for existing claimants.”

He added: “Including these commensurate measures aims to give fair treatment for all customers moving onto Universal Credit from income related ESA, regardless of their point of migration.”

The DWP has previously stated that nearly four million households will receive an annual income increase estimated at £725 under new legislation designed to reform the welfare system.

Changes outlined in the Universal Credit Act will aim to rebalance the core payment and health top-up within Universal Credit. The Act will result in the Universal Credit standard allowance rising permanently above inflation, totalling £725 by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), this represents the largest permanent real terms increase to the main rate of out-of-work support since 1980.

The Universal Credit Act The DWP has announced a rebalancing of Universal Credit health and standard elements to address what it calls a ‘fundamental imbalance in the system which creates perverse incentives that drive people into dependency’. The Act recently received Royal Assent.

In addition to these changes, the DWP has introduced significant new measures, giving those receiving health and disability benefits the right to try work without fear of reassessment. This new ‘Right to Try Guarantee’ applies to individuals with a disability or health condition – such as those recovering from illness – who wish to return to work now their health has improved.

All current recipients of the Universal Credit Health Element and new customers with 12 months or less to live or who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria will also see their standard allowance combined with their Universal Credit health element rise at least in line with inflation every year from 2026/27 to 2029/30.