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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.
CHICAGO (WLS) — In a bid for justice, Chicago police have unveiled images of a vehicle sought in connection with the tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl who was riding her scooter. The incident, which also left a 13-year-old girl injured, occurred last month.
The video above is from an earlier report on the incident.
The heartbreaking event took place on March 21 at approximately 8:34 p.m. along the 2800 block of E. 77th Street in the South Shore area, according to police reports.
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Authorities have stated that the teenager was struck by a vehicle that did not stop and fled the scene immediately afterward.
She was later discovered lying on the pavement and was rushed to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
She was later identified as Violet D. Harris by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Violet D. Harris was identified as the 15-year-old girl who was killed in a hit-and-run crash while riding a scooter in Chicago.Rachel Sturgis
Chicago police said a 13-year-old girl was also hurt in the crash and was taken to a hospital in good condition.
Police have now released images of the vehicle wanted in connection to the crash.
The vehicle is a dark-colored Ford Fusion.
No further information about the vehicle was available.
Chicago police continue to investigate.
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An incident in Washington state turned deadly when a man was shot and killed by a neighbor after he allegedly began firing at two women during a domestic altercation that extended into a nearby driveway, according to law enforcement officials.
The Puyallup Police Department reported that officers were dispatched around 9:10 a.m. on April 2. They stated that 47-year-old Arnino Guanlao had shot at two female relatives following a heated family disagreement that erupted outside their residence.
As the situation intensified, a neighbor, who had initially been indoors, stepped outside and intervened by shooting Guanlao, resulting in his death, police confirmed.
Tragically, 23-year-old Christiannel Lyle Macapagal Maningat was killed at the scene. The second woman involved was rushed to a hospital, where she is battling life-threatening injuries, authorities reported.
The confrontation left one woman dead and another critically injured after a neighbor took action against the gunman in this violent domestic dispute in Washington state.
Authorities said the case remains under investigation, including a review of the neighbor’s use of force.
Washington law allows a person to use force to protect himself or others if he reasonably believes it is necessary, but deadly force is only justified when facing an immediate threat of serious injury or death.
“That’s under investigation as to exactly how the circumstances took place,” PPD Capt. Kevin Gill said during a press briefing.
A Washington state man was fatally shot by a neighbor after opening fire on two women during a domestic dispute, leaving one dead and another critically injured.(FOX 13 Seattle)
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted in the neighborhood.
“There was a girl here who was face down, and she was still breathing a little and trying to move a little, but she wasn’t doing much. And then pretty quick a cop came on scene, and he and I pulled her out, turned her over and found her gunshot wound on her abdomen,” neighbor Michelle Weingarden-Bandes told FOX 13 Seattle.
“We are all not just in shock about what we saw, those of us who were out here this morning, but that this has happened in our neighborhood.”
Washington law allows a person to use force to protect himself or herself or others if they reasonably believe it is necessary.(iStock)
Investigators said the neighbor who shot the suspect is cooperating as detectives work to determine the circumstances of the use of force, according to FOX 13 Seattle.
Detectives are also working to determine what led to the dispute and are processing multiple sites linked to the incident, the outlet reported.
Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots during the incident.
Law enforcement officials said detectives are continuing to interview witnesses, many of whom were left distraught by the violence.
Additional reporting by Law & Crime identified Guanlao as the victims’ stepfather and said he had been firing at his adult stepdaughters when the neighbor intervened.
Authorities have not said what sparked the initial dispute.
The PPD said detectives with its Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Metro Cities Crime Response Unit, are continuing to investigate the incident.
Fox News Digital has reached out to police for additional information.
The violence has left the victims’ family reeling.
A GoFundMe created for the family says the victims’ mother is now caring for her surviving daughters while grieving the loss of one child and remaining at the bedside of another who is still hospitalized.
The fundraiser, which has raised nearly $19,000, says the family’s lives “changed in a matter of moments” and describes the emotional toll on the two other daughters now coping with the aftermath of the violence.
Organizers said the funds will help cover funeral costs, medical expenses and basic living needs as the family navigates the aftermath of the shooting.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
Inset: Richard D. Barker (Sarasota County Jail). Background: The area in Florida where Barker allegedly killed his boss, Jeffrey Hubbard (Google Maps).
In Florida, a 42-year-old man faces accusations of murdering his employer, allegedly strangling the 56-year-old victim with a tank top. He reportedly confessed to officers with the words, “I killed the motherf—er,” and later posed with a chilling grin for his booking photograph.
Richard Dustin Barker has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, as well as tampering with evidence, following the death of Jeffrey Hubbard, according to court documents.
The Venice Police Department’s probable cause affidavit reveals that officers were dispatched to a home on the 200 block of Grove Street South at about 6 a.m. They were responding to a report of a fight between two men outside the building. According to the caller, after the altercation, one man left the scene in a red pickup truck, only to return with a trailer and haul away the other man’s body.
Upon arrival, police discovered Hubbard’s unresponsive body lying behind the trailer, with a blood-stained white tank top wrapped around his neck, as detailed in the affidavit.
When officers approached, Barker reportedly exited his vehicle, placed his hands on his head, and confessed, “I killed the motherf—er,” a statement captured on body camera footage.
Emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures, but Hubbard was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a news release, police confirmed that Barker and Hubbard knew each other “through their employment at the incident location, where Barker was employed by Hubbard.” The affidavit says Barker works in engine repair for RPM Mower Repair on Grove Street.
Investigators say Barker later waived his Miranda rights and admitted he went to the location intending to kill Hubbard, whom he identified as his boss. He told detectives he knew the victim’s routine and waited for him to leave the building early that morning to get coffee.
“The defendant stated he tied his white tank top shirt around his wrist to use as a ligature/weapon and wore a motorcycle helmet to protect his head and face from injury,” police wrote in the affidavit. “[Barker] stated when the victim exited the building, he immediately confronted him and began to strangle the victim with the tank top shirt. The defendant stated this was not effective and the victim began fighting back, ultimately lifting the visor to the helmet and scratching the defendant’s face. The defendant stated he placed one (1) hand around the victim’s neck and throat and continued to strangle the victim.”
Barker claimed he and the victim both fell to the ground and continued struggling before he “wrapped an arm around the victim’s neck and strangled him until he died.”
“The defendant stated after he killed the victim, he placed the tank top shirt around the victim’s neck so EMS personnel would not be able to save him,” the affidavit said.
Authorities say Barker then removed items from Hubbard’s pockets, including keys and a folding knife, and used a hose to wash blood from the sidewalk. When he could not lift the body into his truck, he drove to a nearby gas station to retrieve a trailer before returning to the scene.
Witnesses told police they saw Barker come back and begin dragging Hubbard’s body toward the truck, which is when officers arrived and took him into custody.
Barker allegedly told detectives he planned to transport the body to Port Charlotte and bury it in a remote area.
The defendant is currently being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond and is due to appear in court on Friday, records show.
Electricity bills have now surpassed groceries as the most pressing cost-of-living concern for Australians.
According to recent findings from iSelect, a leading comparison website, a significant 86 percent of Australians are anxious about their energy bills. More than half, 57 percent, regard electricity as their primary expense, overtaking groceries at 52 percent and transport at 44 percent.
Sophie Ryan, a comparison specialist, highlights that electricity costs continue to dominate people’s thoughts as they grapple with persistent financial challenges.
Power bills have officially knocked groceries off the top spot as Australia’s biggest cost-of-living headache. (iStock)
She observes that many households are intentionally adjusting their daily energy consumption, with even minor changes accumulating to make a noticeable impact over time.
“We’re seeing a return to some very practical, low-cost solutions. Many people are layering clothing, using blankets or being more selective about when they turn the heater on, rather than relying on heating throughout the day,” she tells nine.com.au.
This trend of small yet widespread adjustments reflects a growing determination among people to regain control over one of the few expenses they feel they can manage.
Ryan also says that comparing plans is one of the simplest ways to reduce costs, but it’s often delayed or overlooked.
A majority are turning to budget-friendly measures, like pulling out the layers. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“Latest numbers from the ACCC show 73 per cent of people with the potential to switch continue to pay more than they need to for electricity.
“If you’re in that majority, it might be time to compare plans. On average, households that had been with the same provider for three or more years paid $221 more than people on new retailer offers,” she explains.
For those willing to take a closer look, there are practical ways to ease the pressure without overhauling daily routines, according to iSelect.
Default market offers aren’t always the most competitive, meaning households who take the time to compare plans may find better value elsewhere.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on your plan over time. Retailers are required to flag changes to rates or expiring discounts, and those moments can serve as a useful prompt to reassess whether you’re still getting a good deal.
Payment structure can make a difference too, with some providers allowing bills to be broken into smaller, more manageable instalments across the year – helping smooth out seasonal spikes and reduce the shock of a large quarterly bill.
Savings may also come from how you pay – such as on-time payments, online account management, or direct debit – though these offers may expire after a year or two.
The most important tip, however? Shop around.
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Rebecca Gibney’s recent revelation about her ADHD and autism diagnosis has been described as a ‘hidden blessing,’ according to a fresh report.
In an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly late last month, Rebecca shared her diagnosis of ADHD and autism.
A source familiar with the 61-year-old Packed to the Rafters actress revealed to Woman’s Day that she has experienced a ‘personal transformation’ since learning of her condition.
“Receiving the diagnosis was a blessing in disguise,” the source noted, “as it clarified so much for her—it felt like a burden was lifted.”
They further mentioned that the diagnosis has also been enlightening for Rebecca’s husband of 24 years, Richard Bell, as it allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of her unique traits.
In the wake of her diagnosis, Rebecca revealed that she was stepping away from social media, and the publication reported that it was Richard who encouraged her to take a break.
Rebecca Gibney’s recent ADHD and autism diagnosis has been a ‘blessing in disguise’ according to a new report
A source close to the Packed to the Rafters star, 61, told Woman’s Day that she had gone through a ‘kind of metamorphosis’ following her diagnosis. Rebecca is pictured with husband Richard Bell
‘Rebecca prides herself on being a survivor – and she’s done a lot of self-work rebuilding from the horrors of her past, but Richard can’t bear to see her confidence falter over a troll online,’ the source said.
Taking to Instagram earlier this month, Rebecca wrote: ‘Hello friends, it’s time for a wee break from all things SM.’
‘I’ve been spending way too much time staring at my phone looking at either bad news, products I don’t want, snippets from people’s lives that I don’t know, and apart from the funnies – which we all need – I’m finding it all a waste of very precious time,’ she continued.
Rebecca added: ‘I have stopped fully living in the present and I need to reconnect with my hubby, my dogs and myself.’
She also expressed gratitude for the positive response to her recent ADHD and autism diagnosis announcement, but addressed some of the negative comments she received.
‘Alas, there has also been a little backlash so I just wanted to say to the people that responded with ‘get over it,’ ‘it’s not cancer,’ ‘stop jumping on the bandwagon’ and ‘nobody cares’ – just a wee word of advice,’ Rebecca wrote.
‘If you don’t know the full story of someone’s life – please don’t make assumptions or fire off petty comments.’
Rebecca shared that much of her life had been marked by personal challenges.
‘The diagnosis was a blessing in disguise as it helped make sense of so much – it was like a weight being lifted,’ a source told the publication
In the wake of her diagnosis, Rebecca revealed that she was stepping away from social media, and the publication reported that it was Richard who encouraged Rebecca to take a break
‘I have lived most of my life misdiagnosed with severe anxiety (45 years of it). I was raised in a home with extreme domestic violence and I have suffered depression, so to tell someone to ‘get over it’ is really not helpful,’ she said.
‘I share my story so that it may encourage others who might be struggling to know they are not alone.’
Rebecca concluded on a hopeful and personal note: ‘So if you need me, I’ll be by a river somewhere, walking the dogs, planting veggies with my hubby and talking to the trees. Be kind to yourselves and others. And I’ll see you soon. Ish.’
It came one week after Rebecca revealed to The Australian Woman’s Weekly that she had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism.
ADHD is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, while autism affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, behaves and processes information.
Autism is considered a ‘spectrum’ because the severity varies among individuals.
‘It’s been hard. It’s been very emotional. I’ve cried a lot more in the last few months than I’ve cried in a long time, which I thought I’d gotten over as a woman over 60. I was like, ‘No, I’ve got all that stuff sorted’,’ the Millionaire Hot Seat host said.
Rebecca found out about her condition while speaking to a psychologist due to struggles she faced after Dancing With The Stars earlier this year.
‘Rebecca prides herself on being a survivor – and she’s done a lot of self-work rebuilding from the horrors of her past, but Richard can’t bear to see her confidence falter over a troll online,’ the source said
‘I’m still coming to terms with it because it’s answered a lot of questions from my past – my panic attacks, my years of masking, which started obviously at a very early age,’ she confessed.
‘Masking’ is when someone with ADHD or autism hides their natural behaviours and traits to fit in with others.
Rebecca is one of many Australian celebrities who have recently been diagnosed with ADHD later in life.
Mamamia co-founder Mia Freedman received her ADHD diagnosis at age 49, while actress Sigrid Thornton found out she had the same condition at 65.
Media personality Em Rusciano was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at age 43, while feminist author Clementine Ford discovered she had ADHD at 41.
Gigi Hadid embraced her role as a stepmom this week, spending some quality time with Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper, the daughter of her boyfriend Bradley Cooper. The two were spotted near Cooper’s luxurious $13 million townhouse in Manhattan’s West Village on Wednesday.
The supermodel, who is set to celebrate her 31st birthday this month, was all smiles with nine-year-old Lea. The young girl is the child of the 51-year-old actor and his former fiancée, Irina Shayk. Cooper and Shayk’s relationship, which lasted four years, ended amicably in 2019.
Hadid originally met Cooper at a children’s party in October 2023, and they went Instagram official in May 2025 despite never walking a red carpet together.
Gigi and Bradley, who has been nominated for an Oscar 12 times, often arrange playdates that include Lea and Hadid’s own daughter, five-year-old Khai Hadid Malik.
Hadid and her former fiancé, Zayn Malik of One Direction fame, are known to carefully coordinate their custody arrangements well in advance. This planning is especially crucial as Malik gears up for his 33-date Konnakol Tour, beginning April 20 in New York.
The Malibu native ended her on-again, off-again six-year relationship with Malik following a 2021 incident involving her mother, Yolanda Hadid. After the altercation, Malik, now 33, was sentenced to 360 days of probation and required to complete both anger management and domestic violence programs.
Gigi Hadid showed off her stepmom side as she spent quality time with her boyfriend Bradley Cooper’s daughter Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper outside his $13M West Village townhouse in Manhattan on Wednesday
Hadid is said to have previously dated Cody Simpson, Joe Jonas and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Cooper – whose five-month marriage to Jennifer Esposito ended in 2007 – previously dated his Case 39 leading lady Renée Zellweger, his The Words leading lady Zoe Saldaña, Suki Waterhouse, Dianna Agron and Isabella Brewster.
The half-Palestinian, half-Dutch American got into a fender bender on Tuesday not far from her family’s $3.7 million, 32-acre Carousel Farm property in New Hope, PA.
The Instagram account for Towns of Bucks County posted a video of Hadid smiling for a selfie with the driver and witnesses said she ‘acted incredibly kind and they exchanged information.’
On March 29, Hadid responded to an Instagram comment about her and her sister Bella Hadid being mentioned in creepy, newly released Epstein File emails regarding how Jeffrey Epstein believed they broke into modeling.
‘Because they follow directions, it’s that simple,’ the late sex trafficker and pedophile claimed.
‘I didn’t comment [because] I don’t want to take away from the stories of real victims of his; but your comment made me realize maybe it’s not clear — and it’s important to let you know,’ Hadid wrote in a since-deleted comment.
The IMG Model – who turns 31 this month – beamed at the nine-year-old girl, whom the 51-year-old actor-director welcomed during his four-year romance with ex-fiancée Irina Shayk, which amicably ended in 2019
Hadid originally met Cooper at a children’s party in October 2023, and they went Instagram official in May 2025 despite never walking a red carpet together
The Guest in Residence founder and the 12-time Oscar nominee frequently enjoy playdates with little Lea and her five-year-old daughter Khai Hadid Malik (pictured in 2025)
Hadid and her ex-fiancé – former One Direction boybander Zayn Malik – make sure to figure out their custody schedules ‘months in advance’ especially considering he kicks off his 33-date Konnakol Tour on April 20 in New York (pictured March 30)
The half-Palestinian, half-Dutch American got into a fender bender on Tuesday not far from her family’s $3.7 million, 32-acre Carousel Farm property in New Hope, PA
The Instagram account for Towns of Bucks County posted a video of Hadid smiling for a selfie with the driver and witnesses said she ‘acted incredibly kind and they exchanged information’
On March 29, the Malibu-born beauty responded to an Instagram comment about her and her sister Bella Hadid being mentioned in creepy, newly released Epstein File emails regarding how Jeffrey Epstein (pictured in 2005) believed they broke into modeling
Hadid wrote in a since-deleted comment: ‘To be named in those files, I think I was 20-21 at the time he would have written that email — is disturbing. And I want to state unequivocally that I have never had any affiliation with that disgusting human being’ (pictured February 10)
The nepo baby of RHOBH star Yolanda Hadid and Cooper will likely be among the esteemed guests lucky enough to be invited to the wedding of pop star Taylor Swift and NFL tight end Travis Kelce, which is rumored to happen this summer (pictured March 26)
Last month, Puck reported that the Is This Thing On director was ‘at the top of the list’ to write, direct and star opposite Margot Robbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ untitled Ocean’s 11 prequel
‘To be named in those files, I think I was 20-21 at the time he would have written that email — is disturbing. And I want to state unequivocally that I have never had any affiliation with that disgusting human being.’
The ‘privileged’ nepo baby of RHOBH alum Yolanda Hadid and real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid added that her parents ‘protected me and taught me the value of hard work.’
Hadid and the Is This Thing On director will likely be among the esteemed guests lucky enough to be invited to the wedding of pop star Taylor Swift and NFL tight end Travis Kelce, which is rumored to happen this summer.
Last month, Puck reported that Cooper was ‘at the top of the list’ to write, direct and star opposite Margot Robbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ untitled Ocean’s 11 prequel.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In a recent development, Tampa’s city officials have greenlit a plan to gather community feedback on a financial proposal put forth by the Tampa Bay Rays. On Thursday, the team unveiled a Memorandum of Understanding that details the financial requirements for the project’s realization.
The Rays assured that funding the project would not necessitate new taxes. All stakeholders have committed to a “do no harm” strategy, safeguarding essential public services such as law enforcement, fire department, and emergency management operations.
The debut episode of Season 2 of The Pitt left viewers with a lingering enigma. The new attending physician, Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi, portrayed by Sepideh Moafi, appeared to falter momentarily while attending to a patient known as “Baby Jane Doe.” This fleeting moment did not escape the attention of Dr. Samira Mohan, played by Supriya Ganesh, nor did it go unnoticed by the show’s dedicated fanbase. After months of speculation, the recent airing of Episode 14, titled “8 PM,” finally sheds light on Dr. Al-Hashimi’s puzzling behavior.
**Spoilers Ahead for The Pitt Season 2 Episode 14 “8 PM,” now available on HBO Max**
In a gripping conclusion to Episode 14, Dr. Al-Hashimi approaches Dr. Robby, a character brought to life by Noah Wyle, seeking his expertise on a troubling case. She leads him to a secluded room and presents him with the medical history of an unidentified patient via a computer screen.
Robby begins to read aloud, “Patient is a 40-year-old female with a history of seizure disorder spanning 35 years. She experienced no perinatal complications and enjoyed excellent health until the age of five when she began having seizures following a prolonged illness caused by viral meningitis.”
As Robby continues to peruse the information, he abruptly halts, turning to Dr. Al-Hashimi with a look of realization. “Baran, is this you?” he asks, unraveling the mystery surrounding Dr. Al-Hashimi’s past and connecting her personal history with her recent professional challenges.
The final shot of the episode is Dr. Al-Hashimi looking as though she is holding back tears, seemingly confirming that she is.
So what’s wrong with Dr. Al-Hashimi? Here’s what you need to know about the end of The Pitt Season 2 Episode 14…
Photo: HBO Max
The Pitt Season 2 Episode 14 Ending Explained: What’s Wrong With Dr. Al-Hashimi?
Well, it looks like we finally know what’s wrong with Dr. Al-Hashimi. She suffers from a seizure disorder.
While we typically think of seizures as manifesting as convulsions, the Cleveland Clinic notes that “not all seizures look the same. You might stop what you’re doing and stare off into space for a few seconds.”
In fact, it appears that Dr. Al-Hashimi has had two “absence seizures” over the course of her single shift in the ED. Absence seizures last between 3-15 seconds and look like the patient is just staring off into space. Absence seizures are more typical in children, but adults can have them, too. In fact, in the case that Robby reads, it sounds like Dr. Al’s seizures manifested in childhood.
When DECIDER spoke with Sepideh Moafi all the way back in December 2025, ahead of The Pitt Season 2 premiere, she teased that Dr. Al-Hashimi’s weird pause at the end of Episode 1 would be a major reveal later in the season.
“Yeah, I think it ends on a big question mark and a big teaser of like, ‘What’s going on for her?’” Moafi said. “Yes, we will definitely learn more and and we’ll understand the context for that moment throughout the season, later on in the season.”
“But yeah, the answer to that, it’s kind of tentacled and it’s rooted in a huge spoiler,” she said.
That spoiler? Dr. Al-Hashimi has a seizure disorder which could be dangerous if she seizes during a critical moment in the ED.
The Pitt Season 2 finale will premiere next Thursday, April 16.
As Zainab Haider drove home with her two children on Tuesday evening, her mind was preoccupied with the looming deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran to meet U.S. demands. She found herself questioning the safety of her relatives back in Iran, fearing the worst-case scenario of a devastating conflict.
Her emotions were a tumultuous blend of anxiety, fear, and isolation, especially as others around her seemed unfazed, continuing with their daily routines despite the potential for catastrophic events. However, Trump ultimately stepped back from his ominous warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” opting instead for a two-week ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
For Haider, and the countless other Iranians residing in the U.S., this development was yet another instance of emotional upheaval, as they remain caught in a perpetual state of uncertainty about Iran’s future and the safety of their loved ones still living there.
The intense discourse surrounding the conflict has permeated the thoughts of many, often hindering their ability to concentrate on work or other aspects of life. While some have taken to the streets to protest the war, others remain quietly concerned, closely monitoring the unfolding situation and pondering what lies ahead.
Among the voices calling for peace, Haider joined a protest in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, advocating for an end to the hostilities. Similar demonstrations took place in major cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as communities rallied together in pursuit of peace.
Aside from speaking out against the war, Haider thinks that mobilizing will create “the kind of pressure that makes it harder for Trump to swing back to this aggressive posturing.”
“It’s a huge country,” she said of Iran. “Trump is not going to ever be able to defeat it or wipe it out, but it is possible to do damage. It is possible to do something that affects millions of people, millions of lives.”
Worries for family members back home
Haider, a municipal planner and an organizer with the Austin for Palestine Coalition, said hearing Trump offer such an ultimatum was frightening.
She does not support regime change, saying that was something for the Iranian people to settle, not the United States. Still, she wanted to speak out even though she came to the U.S. by way of Pakistan with her parents when she was young. She has memories of the neighborhood bakeries and the juice shops she used to visit with her mother and their neighbors.
Iranian-American Sheila Amir said that Trump’s social media posts made her fearful on multiple levels.
Her first concern was for her Iranian relatives. She has not been able to confirm that they’re OK in the past week amid an internet blackout that has blanketed the country.
But the North Carolina-based writer said she also was concerned that an escalation in the war could put her U.S. relatives who are in the military at risk. Their duty, she said, is to “serve and protect the United States of America,” not to destroy the people of Iran.
Complex feelings for those who support the war
Even those who are supportive of U.S. attacks that directly weaken the Iranian government are struggling to reckon with the most recent threats against civilians.
In recent weeks, Roya Rastegar has had many difficult conversations with her family about the conflict. Rastegar and her wife are both Iranian-American. Rastegar said people in her family have been killed by the Iranian government in the decades since the Islamic Republic took power, and the majority of her wife’s family is still in the country.
Rastegar, a filmmaker and cofounder of a pro-democracy nonprofit called the Iranian Diaspora Collective, said the frequent reversals have made it more difficult to explain the conflict to their children.
“It’s very hard to hold on to the idea that we do not know what’s going to happen,” she said.
Rastegar said that the war has presented an impossible moral dilemma. She is deeply concerned that intensified attacks on Iran could cause even more harm to civilians. But she also believes that de-escalating the war without dismantling the Islamic Republic will pose the greatest risk to Iranians inside the country, who would continue to face severe and deadly repression.
“It’s really nauseating to just think about my people as being stuck between a regime that’s still killing them and an administration — the U.S. — that is issuing these kinds of threats,” Rastegar said.
Orthodox Christians from around the world will commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While Australians recently delighted in their Easter long weekend, a significant portion of the nation is gearing up for their own distinct Easter festivities that are just around the corner.
For many, this upcoming celebration is Orthodox Easter, or Pascha, a significant event that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s a time to honor the transformation from death to life, embodying profound spiritual renewal.
The journey toward Pascha is deeply rooted in tradition for the approximately 230 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. This pivotal moment in the church calendar is preceded by Great Lent, a period dedicated to fasting and prayer, which spiritually prepares communities for the sacred day.
The observance began with Palm Sunday on April 5th, according to the Orthodox calendar, ushering in Holy Week. This week is filled with solemn ceremonies leading up to Pascha, celebrated on Sunday, April 12th.
In many communities, the joyous commemorations extend into Easter Monday, allowing for continued reflection and celebration.
Countries that recognise Orthodox Easter Sunday as a public holiday include Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
In Australia, diaspora communities from these countries, as well as some African countries including Eritrea and Ethiopia, are expected to observe the light-filled holiday.
How is the date of Orthodox Easter determined?
Debate around Easter can be traced to 325 AD, when the Council of Nicaea (the first council of the Christian church) met in ancient Nicaea (now İznik, Türkiye) to resolve the early controversy between sections of the church on when Easter should be held.
It was decided that Easter should be held on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox.
While most Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians still follow this rule, the differing dates of Easter are dependent upon which calendar is used.
In the fourth century, all Christians abided by the Julian calendar, which was established by Julius Caesar in 45 BC and is based on Earth’s journey around the sun.
Although Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches separated in 1054, Christians around the world continued to observe Easter on the same date.
A priest blesses willow branches outside St Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral as Orthodox Christians and Greek Catholics celebrate Palm Sunday in Kyiv, Ukraine. Source: SIPA USA / Volodymyr Tarasov / Ukrinform
Why does the Orthodox Church celebrate Easter on a different date?
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII established the Gregorian calendar to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar. This new calendar included the addition of leap years, which was used to resolve an 11-minute miscalculation that caused seasons to become out of sync, pushing Easter further away from the spring equinox.
When the Gregorian calendar was implemented in the Catholic church, only Western churches aligned with the Pope initially made the change. It took more than 170 years for Protestant churches to start aligning with the new date, with most adopting it by around 1845.
Another reason for the different dates is that Orthodox Easter must occur after Jewish Passover to reflect the historical timeline of events described in the New Testament. This rule can further shift the date, sometimes placing Orthodox Easter one to five weeks later than Western Easter.
What is the lead-up to Orthodox Easter?
The journey to Orthodox Easter begins with Great Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, reflection and repentance. During this time, many avoid meat and dairy, choosing to instead focus on plant-based foods.
The final week, known as Holy Week, is especially significant as each day commemorates events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus with churches holding frequent services, often in the evenings.
One of the most important moments occurs on Holy Saturday night, when communities gather in darkened churches and hold candles. At midnight, the priest announces the resurrection, and the flame is shared among the congregation to symbolise the spreading of light.
Orthodox Christians hold candles in the night as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in North Macedonia. Source: EPA / Georgi Licovski
How is it celebrated?
Rich in cultural and religious traditions, there are several practices which are shared during celebrations. However, this can vary depending on the country and their communities.
Decorated eggs, which are dyed red and boiled to symbolise the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is a well-known practice. In many cultures, people play a game where they tap the eggs against each other, signifying breaking the tomb and the victory over death. The last egg to remain uncracked is said to bring good luck for the coming year.
Food is central to the celebration, particularly lamb, which is roasted and shared with family after the fasting period ends. Easter bread is also common, usually rich and sweet in flavour, and dependent on the culture.
It is also common for Orthodox Christians to greet each other with a Paschal greeting, which begins with “Christ is Risen” and is responded to with “Truly, He is Risen”. The phrase in Greek is ‘Christos Anesti’, and is the title of an Orthodox Easter hymn sung in celebration of the resurrection.
Whether marked with solemn reflection or joyful activities, Orthodox Easter continues to be a vibrant part of the global and Australian cultural landscape.
