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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
In a dramatic incident at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, an Air Canada flight encountered an unexpected obstacle during landing when it collided with a vehicle on the runway. The crash left at least two individuals in critical condition, according to reports.
Originating from Montreal, the flight touched down at approximately 11:40 pm. As it made its descent, the aircraft unexpectedly struck a Port Authority vehicle that was present on the runway. A spokesperson from the Port Authority relayed this information to the Daily Mail, confirming the unusual nature of the incident.
Further details revealed that the vehicle involved was responding to a separate emergency when the collision occurred. This intersection of events resulted in the aircraft’s severe nose damage, visibly tilting its front end upwards on the tarmac.
Operating under the banner of Jazz Aviation, a regional airline based in Nova Scotia, the flight was part of the Air Canada network. The incident has underscored the complex dynamics of airport operations, where multiple activities can converge in unexpected ways.
The flight was affiliated with Jazz Aviation, a regional airline in Nova Scotia, and was operating on behalf of Air Canada.
‘Emergency response protocols were immediately activated. The Port Authority Police Department is on scene along with the agency’s Chairman and Executive Director,’ a Port Authority spokesperson said in a statement.
‘This is a developing situation based on preliminary information. The Port Authority Police Department is working closely with our airline partners as well as federal authorities, and will provide additional updates as more details become available.’
The New York Fire Department confirmed to the Daily Mail that its crews had received reports of an incident involving an aircraft and a vehicle on runway four.
An Air Canada Express plane collided with a Port Authority vehicle on Sunday night on Runway 4 of LaGuardia Airport. The cockpit suffered severe damage, as pictured above
The plane struck a Port Authority vehicle on the runway. Pictured above is an image from the aftermath of the crash
The Air Canada Express plane was reportedly carrying 76 passengers and crew. The jet is pictured above getting removed from the runway by Port Authority Police following the incident
The Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft was reportedly carrying 76 passengers and crew during the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced a ground stop due to an aircraft emergency, effectively closing LaGuardia Airport at 11.50 pm EST.
Photos of the aftermath showed Port Authority Police removing the front half of the plane.
Port Authority’s vehicle was pictured after the collision turned on its side as several emergency responders flooded the runway.
The New York Police Department told the Daily Mail that it was aware of an incident.
LaGuardia warned of flight disruptions due to weather conditions at 8.30 pm EST. New York experienced rainy conditions on Sunday night.
The Daily Mail has reached out to LaGuardia Airport, the FAA and Air Canada for comment.
The incident comes as airports are already facing mounting pressure amid a DHS funding standoff.
Photos of the crash first circulated on the Citizen app. The grainy images depicted the front of the plane badly damaged as emergency services arrived
Emergency personnel worked to clear the damage overnight on Monday in the aftermath of the collision
Port Authority Police and FDNY responded to the collision. LaGuardia subsequently closed to allow emergency crews to respond. The aftermath of the collision is pictured above as Port Authority worked to clear the plane
LaGuardia is among many airports facing challenges, with employees forced to work without pay and passengers facing long security lines.
Travelers reported lines spilling through the parking lot on Sunday morning, with some saying they waited for up to three hours.
Donald Trump announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be sent to airports on Monday to help TSA agents.
‘If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, and elsewhere throughout our Country, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before!’ Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Saturday.
‘I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to,‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!’
Multiple emergency personnel vehicles reponsed to the scene, pictured above. The massive response caused the airport to close
Information is still coming to light as to what caused the crash. A massive rescue presence was seen at the airport in early hours on Monday
The Port Authority vehicle was responding to a seperate incident when the crash occurred. The Air Canada plane is pictured above on the tarmac in the aftermath of the collision
Border czar Tom Homan confirmed on CNN that he had been working to finalize a plan with ICE Director Tedd Lyons and acting administrator for the TS Ha Nguyen McNeill to deploy ICE agents.
He added that the officials would have a plan in place by the end of the day on Sunday, which included which airports would be targeted.
Related video above: Fishermen discuss the effects of sargassum in May 2025
(NEXSTAR) – Researchers have observed that the ocean’s sargassum seaweed is flourishing at unprecedented levels, and even more growth is anticipated.
In just a month, these floating seaweed masses have expanded dramatically from 9.5 million tons to 13.6 million tons. As temperatures rise, conditions are favorable for further proliferation. This increase could lead to beaches being overwhelmed by the odorous seaweed, mirroring past incidents.
According to the University of South Florida’s February report, “Due to the persistent growth from November through February and the record-setting sargassum levels in numerous areas, 2026 is poised to be another significant year for sargassum.”
While sargassum causes few issues when adrift at sea, trouble arises as it reaches the shore. There, it decomposes and releases hydrogen sulfide, producing a smell akin to rotten eggs and potentially aggravating respiratory issues in those who are sensitive.
Some parts of the Caribbean, including the coasts of Mexico, Belize and Honduras, have already started seeing sargassum on beaches, according to USF. Pictures from Cuba show the sargassum starting to encroach on streets in Havana.
Spring break hot spots in Mexico, like Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, have also seen tons of the seaweed wash up early in the season, reports Mexico News Daily. The tourism industry is bracing for one of the worst years ever for sargassum.
“This year is going to be terrible,” Rosa Rodríguez, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Institute of Limnology and Marine Sciences, told the outlet.
Sargassum seaweed covers part of a sandy beach after washing ashore in the Caribbean Sea, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, France January 4, 2026. The brown algae accumulation illustrates coastal marine pollution on the shoreline. (Photo by Benoît Durand / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)
Cars drive along the Malecon covered with sargassum seaweed in Havana on January 21, 2026. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images)
Sargassum seaweed covers part of a sandy beach after washing ashore in the Caribbean Sea, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, France January 4, 2026. The brown algae accumulation illustrates coastal marine pollution on the shoreline. (Photo by Benoit Durand / Hans Lucas / Getty Images)
In the coming months, more beaches around the West Caribbean will likely be inundated. Researchers say beaching may happen next in the Lesser Antilles, a long chain of islands from east of Puerto Rico to Aruba.
A piece of good news: The amount of sargassum in the Gulf is relatively low, at least for now.
As the blooms are expected to grow in the coming months, tourism destinations from Florida to Cancun have been trying to prepare. The Mexican Navy has joined the effort to collect and clean up the sargassum, according to Border Report.
The Florida Department of Health recommends beachgoers avoid touching or swimming near the seaweed. The small creatures that live inside it, like jellyfish larvae, could sting or cause your skin to itch.
The department also suggests using gloves if you have to handle sargassum and closing windows if you live near the beach to avoid breathing issues and bad smells.
As tensions flare and missiles soar in the Middle East, global eyes remain fixed on major players like the United States, Iran, and Israel. These nations are at the forefront, orchestrating the unfolding events on the ground.
However, the ripple effects of the crisis are reaching far beyond the immediate region, pulling in countries such as Australia, which find themselves compelled to engage in a conflict they neither initiated nor can easily dismiss.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized that Australia is “not a protagonist” in this turmoil, portraying the recent deployment of military forces to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a “defensive” maneuver rather than an aggressive one.
Nonetheless, even a minor involvement highlights a larger truth: geographic distance does not shield Australia from a conflict that impacts energy markets, trade pathways, and security alliances crucial to its national interests.
This crisis has reignited conversations about how nations like Australia—often labeled as “middle powers”—navigate major geopolitical conflicts. This is especially pertinent as the US escalates its tendency towards unilateral actions.
Australia and the ‘middle power’ identity
Australia’s foreign policy has often been framed around the idea of middle-power diplomacy.
Middle powers sit below great powers — such as China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the US — but still exert meaningful influence over global politics.
While there is no standard definition or agreed international list of middle powers, they are typically characterised by their ability to leverage diplomatic reach, economic weight, participation in multilateral institutions and, at times, military contributions to shape international outcomes, according to a World Economic Forum white paper.
The concept has historical roots in Australia’s post–World War Two diplomacy, including its involvement in the creation of the United Nations.
Today, as a G20 member and one of the world’s 15 largest economies, Australia wields more power than it often acknowledges, says Allan Behm, international and security affairs program adviser at the Australia Institute.
“It is true that Australia often describes itself as a ‘middle power’ even though, as a member of the G20, with the sixth largest land mass and 14th largest economy [approximately the same as Russia’s], enormous natural endowments and one of the highest standards of living in the world, it enjoys considerable national power and the agency that goes with it,” Behm tells SBS News.
Behm says if Australia were bolder, “it could exercise commensurate influence on the world stage”.
Jessica Genauer, associate professor in international relations at Flinders University, says the war in the Middle East tests how Australia exercises its middle-power role amid global pressures and strategic dependencies.
“On the one hand, the conflict highlights the extent to which Australia is still dependent on the US as a stronger power with greater military capability,” she says.
“On the other hand, it shows that Australia is part of a group of middle powers around the world who are in a similar situation of re-stabilising, looking after their domestic populations, and reorienting their foreign policy to respond to an increasingly fragmented emerging world order.”
Why the Middle East matters to Australia
At first glance, the Middle East may seem far removed from Australia’s strategic focus in the Indo-Pacific. Yet the region remains central to global energy supply and trade, which has a flow-on effect for domestic markets.
Around 20 per cent of global oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz. In 2025, about 20 million barrels of oil moved through Hormuz each day, according to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration.
In 2025, about 20 million barrels of oil moved through Hormuz each day, according to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration. Source: SBS News
Disruptions to these routes can drive volatility in global energy prices and shipping costs.
For Australia, these global shocks translate quickly into domestic pressures — from rising fuel prices to disrupted supply chains.
Behm says distance does little to shield Australia from these dynamics, pointing to both economic and social links with the region.
As a globally connected nation, Australia has clear economic, political and strategic interests in the Middle East.
“And as a nation dependent on migration for its economic and social development, Australia enjoys extensive cultural, ethnic and familial links with the Middle East, extending principally from Egypt in the west to Iran in the east.”
Those connections increasingly intersect with Australia’s national security concerns.
In recent weeks, the government has taken concrete steps in response to rising tensions in the region.
Earlier this month, the Albanese government announced it would deploy an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, provide medium-range air-to-air missiles, and send around 85 Australian Defence Force personnel to the UAE to support Gulf states following Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Albanese said the deployment was designed to protect civilians, including Australians, stressing Australia was not taking part in offensive operations against Iran.
“The first priority of my government is and always will be to keep Australians safe. There are around 115,000 Australians in the Middle East, around 24,000 of those in the UAE,” he said at a press conference last week.
“Helping Australians means helping the UAE and other nations to defend themselves.”
Economic ripple effects
Exposure to economic shocks is another key impact. Australia imports roughly 90 per cent of its liquid fuel, making it vulnerable to disruptions in global oil markets and shipping routes.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced a reduction in the minimum stock obligations for diesel and petrol earlier this month, saying the move would “make a difference going forward” amid “understandable” concerns around rising fuel costs.
The obligations for diesel will reduce from 2.7 billion litres to 2.2 billion litres, and for petrol from 1 billion litres to 700 million litres, allowing the release of up to 762 million litres from domestic reserves.
Hayley Channer, director of the Economic Security Program at the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney, says the greater risk lies not in short-term price spikes, but in prolonged disruption to global energy flows.
“A bigger concern than higher prices is a potential long-term disruption to global oil supply and negative flow-on impacts for some of Australia’s largest trading partners — China, Japan, Korea and India,” she tells SBS News.
“This is the consequence of such an interconnected global economy, which served Australia’s interests for decades but no longer does because trade has been weaponised.”
She says the impact is already being felt across supply chains, with costs likely to build over time.
“We’ve already seen an immediate impact on fuel, but there’s a compounding impact of this oil crisis on Australia’s supply chains, more broadly. Not only is supply disrupted, [but] shipping has to be rerouted, shipping insurance goes up and emergency conflict surcharges are introduced,” Channer says.
“So, longer shipping times, extra insurance, extra danger pay — that all adds costs that will push prices up for all goods.”
The economic ripple is also affecting policy decisions, with rising oil prices linked to the war in the Middle East influencing the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to raise interest rates to a 10-month high.
Channer says the outlook demands a shift in how both governments and businesses prepare for global shocks.
All of this points to the need for the Australian government to have a stronger strategy around dealing with economic security shocks and risks, which are the new norm — not a blip.
“This isn’t just the responsibility of the government, though. Australian businesses needs to engage with these risks more genuinely,” Channer says.
Security considerations have also shaped Australia’s engagement with the region. Over the decades, instability in the Middle East has been linked to terrorism and prompted international military interventions.
Australia has previously deployed personnel to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and continues to cooperate with partners on intelligence sharing, maritime security and counter-terrorism operations linked to the region.
Diplomacy and humanitarian engagement
When crises erupt abroad, Australia leans on diplomacy and multilateral coordination, often aligning with other US-aligned middle powers.
Genauer says this approach reflects both strategic caution and practical limits on Australia’s hard power.
“Australia’s diplomatic role in the crisis primarily concerns pursuing a coordinated approach with other middle power partners around the world, such as Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Japan.”
Genauer says this model has become more complex as US foreign policy shifts, requiring middle powers to adapt their approach across multiple conflicts.
Humanitarian aid remains another pillar of Australia’s response.
“Although Australia has reduced its international development assistance over the past couple of decades, Australia remains a significant contributor in the Pacific and in Asia,” Behm says.
“Our efforts in international humanitarian assistance are well-targeted and well-coordinated with other donors. We could and should do better, however.”
Lavina Lee, director of the Foreign Policy and Defence Program at the USSC, cautions that any expanded role will depend on how the conflict unfolds on the ground.
“There will be a role for Australia in terms of humanitarian assistance to populations affected in the region once active hostilities are over — but there is a big question over when this might be and whether the Iranian regime will capitulate,” Lee tells SBS News.
Security and alliances
Australia faces strategic choices in the coming weeks and months, especially if tensions continue to threaten key shipping routes.
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed on Tuesday that the US has not explicitly asked Australia to contribute naval forces to operations in the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating Australia’s focus on defensive support.
However, experts say the government may still consider a more direct role if conditions deteriorate, even though its capabilities are constrained by its fleet.
Lee says Australia has “limited” naval assets it can deploy to the Gulf.
“Australia is behind on developing its own integrated air and missile defence capability. It’s possible the government might consider sending one of our three air warfare destroyers to protect oil tankers and shipping around the Strait of Hormuz,” Lee said.
Nevertheless, Australia’s response to conflicts beyond its immediate region remains shaped by its close alliance with the US.
Behm says this can narrow Australia’s room to act independently.
We generally follow the lead of the US, representing ourselves as a representative of US interests rather than our own; and we constrain our agency by playing too subservient a role under US leadership.
Domestic politics can also shape Australia’s stance, though Behm suggests the government’s more “muted role” in the Middle East is unlikely to spark significant public debate at this stage.
“Though a growing number of members of Australia’s Middle Eastern community would like to see Australia adopt more assertive and self-confident stances on key humanitarian issues, especially the treatment of displaced persons in Palestine and refugees more generally.”
The family of allegedly murdered security guard Aidan Becker said their heroic son would have done it all over again, despite paying the ultimate price for helping someone in need.
Aidan, 22, was allegedly stabbed to death at Mernda train station in Melbourne’s north-east on March 6 after intervening to help a 14-year-old boy who was being robbed by four teenagers.
All four suspects are facing charges related to his murder.
Aidan Becker pictured with his father Matthias. (Nine)
Aidan had just concluded his duties as a security guard at the Alfred Hospital when he tragically lost his life while performing a selfless act.
Although he typically donned a stab-resistant vest during his shifts, he had removed it a few hours before the fatal incident occurred.
Speaking to Australia First Media (AFM), his family shared that Aidan was inherently compassionate and always willing to assist others.
“He had the purest of hearts, truly an angel,” his sister Siobhan remarked.
“He would have done anything for anyone, without any question.”
Aidan’s family told independent media network Australia First Media (AFM) that it was in his nature to help people. (Australian First Media (AFM))
Aidan’s parents realised something wasn’t right when he failed to come home from work.
They rushed to the scene at Mernda train station, where they met a man who was with their son during his last moments on earth.
“He said to my son as he closed his eyes, ‘Your family loves you’,” Aidan’s mum Nathalie said.
“He’s not coming home no more because he did the right thing,” his father Matthias added.
“The police were weeping too… and he said to me, ‘Your son had a very big heart’.”
The family say no parent should lose ther child under such tragic circumstances.
They have spoken out in the hope their son’s death is not in vain.
“Everybody wants their children to come home – and home is where he should be,” Matthais added.
Thousands of people at a vigil last night to honour the 22-year-old. (Eddie Jim)
Two 17-year-olds, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old were arrested following the incident.
They have all been charged with murder and armed robbery.
The charged teenagers will face court in the coming months.
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Michael Allen Kinney, aged 38, has been extradited to the Alachua County Jail following his arrest in Arizona. He faces charges related to the theft of more than $100,000 in collectibles from Swamped Collectibles at the Waldo Flea Market this past July.
The incident took place in the early hours of July 10, when a man, later identified as Kinney, was seen arriving at the Waldo Flea Market, located at 17805 NE U.S. Hwy 301. According to a deputy from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Kinney allegedly used a van to break the front door window of Swamped Collectibles. He is accused of making off with a significant haul that included trading cards, gaming cards, video games, and display cases.
Surveillance footage from the scene was crucial in identifying the suspect. The victim shared this footage with authorities, along with a partial vehicle license plate number, which was traced back to Kinney. The suspect’s appearance also matched the individual recorded on the surveillance video.
Just two days after the burglary, a sworn complaint was filed, noting that the van involved in the theft had last been spotted in North Carolina, further aiding in tracking down Kinney and bringing him into custody.
The sworn complaint, filed two days after the burglary, noted that the van was last seen in North Carolina.
On February 23, Kinney was arrested by U.S. Marshals at a motel in Mesa, Arizona, and was later extradited to Alachua County.
Kinney has been charged with grand theft over $100,000, burglary of an unoccupied structure, and misdemeanor property damage. He has one misdemeanor conviction (traffic) and has active warrants out of Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $315,000, the amount set on his arrest warrant by Judge Denise Ferrero.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SAN DIEGO — Is Bryce Hopkins morphing into an unexpected 3-point sensation?
The senior forward from St. John’s has recently been on fire from beyond the arc. On Sunday, Hopkins showcased his newfound prowess by setting a St. John’s NCAA Tournament record. He successfully sank six out of nine 3-point attempts, propelling the fifth-seeded Johnnies to a thrilling 67-65 win over No. 4 Kansas at Viejas Arena and securing their spot in the Sweet 16.
“I came here to play meaningful basketball and to be part of a big run in March,” Hopkins reflected after the game. “We’re definitely achieving that.”
This surge in Hopkins’ 3-point shooting has been a timely development for St. John’s. He has now made multiple 3-pointers in three consecutive games, a feat he hadn’t accomplished back-to-back all season. Prior to this, his career best for made 3s in a single game was just three.
Hopkins’ success from long range has been a recent boon. He has hit multiple 3-pointers in three straight games after failing to do so in consecutive games all season. His previous career high for made 3s in a game was three.
St. John’s Red Storm forward Bryce Hopkins #23 shooting a jump shot during an NCAA Tournament game against the Kansas Jayhawks. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
“He passed up three wide-open ones. I said, ‘Man, everybody dreams of getting hot like you. You’ve got to take them,’ ” coach Rick Pitino said. “He finally said, ‘I gotcha, Coach.’ And right in front of our bench, I said, ‘Kill it, Hop.’ And he did it. And that was a big play for us.”
Pitino was referring to a Hopkins 3-pointer with 1:29 remaining that pushed a one-point lead to four.
Hopkins has been terrific of late, averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the past six games.
He’s also shooting a blistering 57.8 percent from 3-point range.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST BIG EAST STANDINGS AND ST. JOHN’S STATS
Now, he’s in the Sweet 16 for the first time.
“I feel like I’m a good shooter. I practice every day. It’s a matter of me being confident,” Hopkins said. “My guys give me confidence. It fell tonight. It feels really good to be going to the Sweet 16.”
Hopkins and St. John’s have hit 21 3-pointers in two NCAA Tournament games, a key to the Red Storm advancing to the second weekend for the first time since 1999.
That’s their most 3s in consecutive games this season.
“We shoot a lot of 3s. We practice. It’s a matter of guys being confident and taking them,” Hopkins said. “They fell tonight in the biggest moment of most of our careers.”
Now, the Red Storm will play their next game at Capital One Arena, where they hit a season-high 15 3-pointers in a win over Georgetown on Dec. 31.
“Hopefully, we can come back and make another 15 3s when we go there,” Hopkins said.
A Fall Branch resident found himself in police custody on Tuesday following accusations of breaking into a Gray convenience store and stealing kratom the previous day.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) issued a news release detailing the arrest of 33-year-old Joshua Marcus Blalock. He faces multiple charges, including burglary, theft, vandalism, driving with a revoked license, and violating financial responsibility laws.
Authorities responded to an early morning report of a break-in around 5 a.m. on Monday. The incident occurred at a convenience store located in the Gray community.
“The front door had been shattered,” the release stated. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Blalock making off with several boxes of Kratom before escaping in a vehicle.
Blalock was apprehended while driving along Bristol Highway shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday. A traffic stop led to his arrest, and he was subsequently taken to the Washington County Detention Center, where he remains on a $15,100 bond, according to the WCSO.
In London’s upscale Notting Hill neighborhood, residents are turning to private security to manage the influx of social media influencers drawn to the area’s stunning cherry blossoms.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been flooded with videos showing groups of people obstructing streets and sidewalks, striking poses against residential walls, and even scaling walls to capture the perfect shot.
A particularly popular spot is the cherry tree on the corner of Stanley Crescent, known for its beautiful pink blooms, attracting a throng of photo enthusiasts.
Fed up with the constant stream of visitors, local homeowners have taken action by employing a private security guard.
The security officer, clad in black with a bright yellow vest, is stationed under the cherry tree to deter individuals from sitting on the wall or entering the nearby garden.
Noting the nuisance to residents, one Londoner wrote on Threads: ‘Every spring, this cherry blossom house in London goes viral.
‘And the people who live here, whose street was once quiet and peaceful, might not agree that virality is a good thing.’
Cherry blossoms are such a popular backdrop for influencer pictures that one of the world’s most popular hanami (or flower-viewing) attractions in the world more than doubled the price of tickets for foreign visitors.
Residents in affluent Notting Hill hired private security guards to handle the influx of snap-happy influencers flocking to the picturesque cherry blossom tree on Stanley Crescent
A TikToker in a pink dress poses by the blooming cherry blossom tree on Stanley Crescent
Videos posted to social media show prior to the security guard’s introduction show hordes of people milling about the area, posing for photos against the walls of a residential property – and even climbing walls to secure the perfect shot
As of March 1, entry to Himeji Castle in Osaka will cost ¥2,500 (£12) for non-residents, as opposed to ¥1,000 (approximately £5).
But there is no need to travel all the way to Japan with social media starlets eagerly flocking to the ritzy neighbourhoods of west London instead.
Peter Lee, 80, said his home in Notting Hill is visited daily by people using it as a backdrop for their social media pictures.
The former fashion designer, who has lived in his home for 47 years, said he’s seen people doing the splits in front of his steps – and even balancing on his railings.
Mr Lee said: ‘I don’t really mind the crowds. I have cameras so it does amuse me to just watch their antics.
‘One time, a company seemed to be having a whole photoshoot. They had a little outfit change tent and everything.
‘They actually left a bunch of brand new clothes here – tags and all. I put up a sign, saying to knock on my door to collect them.’
But not everyone is so accommodating. Some owners have even started painting their famously colourful homes black in a bid to stop ‘rude’ selfie-taking influencers from posing outside.
Yesterday’s sunshine and warm temperatures saw dozens flocking to Stanley Crescent – where the average value of a property is £1.2million – for that perfect Instagram page snap
Hordes of tourists pose in front of the cherry blossoms in the trendy neighborhood
At nearby Lancaster Road, just metres from Portobello Road Market, homeowners have reported influencers even undergoing multiple outfit changes outside their doors to get the best shots
Cherry blossoms are a popular backdrop for influencer pictures
Homeowners on Lancaster Road – located just metres away from Portobello Road Market in west London – say they are constantly swamped with people taking photos in front of their properties
One video showed a large group of people outside the house in Notting Hill, as the TikTok user @angela_j asked for alternative recommendations to enjoy hanami in London.
‘Came to Notting Hill for the cherry blossoms, so did everyone else,’ the text on the clip read – adding ‘I can’t deal with the crowds’.
Another clip showed tourists snapping pictures of each other and hanging around the house.
In the wake of the house’s social media popularity, some people suggested ‘that living in Notting Hill is a nightmare’, while others advised the homeowners to start ‘charging for pics’.
One comment read: ‘This is why Notting Hill is a nightmare… people are filming or taking photos [while] walking on the road. No road sense whatsoever.’
Another added: ‘I’ve seen “influencers” there shouting at a woman who was trying to get to her own house that she should stand in line if she wants to have a photo.’
A third person wrote: ‘If that was my house, I would start charging for pics.’
Residents also have claimed that brazen tourists will enjoy lunchtime picnics on their doorsteps and often peer through their windows ‘forgetting that people actually live there’.
A cyclist weaving through a group of Instagram addicts was recently spotted shouting: ‘You are all f***ing sheep. These are normal houses.’
Two houses on the road have now ditched their previous bright exterior – in the hopes that black walls are ‘less Instagrammable’ – and will therefore stop people coming there.
Previously, a purple and pink home sat either side of an already-black house but now they have joined forces with their neighbour.
A ‘quiet zone’ sign was also put up – and one property further down the street even strung a rope across their front steps.
Dolores Catania has addressed swirling rumors about a potential cast overhaul on the “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” while sharing insights on the test filming process for new cast members. Meanwhile, Jennifer Aydin has dropped hints about a recent conversation she had with Teresa Giudice concerning the future direction of the show.
Credit: Instagram
Recently, insiders suggested that Bravo is in the early stages of test filming with possible new cast members for the upcoming 15th season. Reports from Reality Blurb indicate that Dolores, Teresa, and Melissa Gorga are the only current cast members who may return, as network executive Andy Cohen has previously hinted at the possibility of a complete cast refresh, similar to the approach taken with “Real Housewives of New York.”
In a recent episode of her “TV Gold” podcast, Aydin prompted Dolores with a question, asking, “You did test film with some potential housewives, yes?” Dolores responded enigmatically, pointing out that test filming is a preliminary step, saying, “Test filming is not – I go, ‘You’re so far from being on camera,’” implying the newcomers still have a long way to go before making it onto the show.
“You did test film with some potential housewives, yes?” Aydin asked Dolores on her TV Gold podcast.
“Test filming is not – I go, ‘You’re so far from being on camera,’” said Dolores cryptically, seemingly addressing the potential newbies who test filmed.
Aydin added, “But even Teresa [told] me, ‘Jen … they [are telling] us nothing,’” said Aydin. “So who knows if they’re going to keep some [castmates] and then add new [ones], or reboot totally.”
Dolores then addressed the potential reboot.
“It didn’t work for New York,” said Dolores.
On February 19, a source told Radar Online that several costars are still being considered for the new season.
“While Jennifer Aydin and Rachel Fuda aren’t in the running, the rest of the cast is,” said the source. “It’s possible they could bring some of them back or all of them back to see how they interact with the potential newbies. … [Producers will] get these new people in front of a camera to see how they perform.”
“[But] don’t forget they did test filming last year, and it went nowhere,” the insider added. “It all depends on the chemistry of the women once they’re in front of cameras and if they see a viable show that could be made from their interactions. If they don’t, it may be back to the drawing board. … [However] this could be a positive sign, because if they like what they see, the show will likely start filming sooner rather than later and finally be back on fans’ screens.”
During an appearance on “Face the Nation,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing threats posed by Iran.
Rutte highlighted the positive development that 22 nations have united to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure. He recalled past successes, such as when President Donald Trump influenced NATO allies to contribute their 5 percent share, thereby bolstering defense capabilities. Rutte expressed strong confidence in their ability to effectively manage the situation with Iran.
The coalition primarily comprises NATO member countries, but also includes Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. “We are now coordinating military and strategic efforts among these 22 nations and the United States,” Rutte stated.
.@SecGenNATO Mark Rutte applauds @POTUS‘ leadership on the world stage, says we’re “coming together to make sure that we can be able to secure the Strait of Hormuz.” pic.twitter.com/AE0ibJMFS6
Most of the 22 are NATO countries. Others involved also included Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. “So we are now planning the military people and others amongst this group of 22 nations and with the U.S.,” Rutte said.
