Subscribe
Home Blog Page 9

Ashley Roberts Discusses Her Decision to Rethink All Stars Following Ant and Dec’s Unexpected Rejection

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Ashley Roberts Discusses Her Decision to Rethink All Stars Following Ant and Dec’s Unexpected Rejection

An individual wearing a brown jacket and glasses, equipped with a headset microphone, is seated and engaged in speaking into the

Ashley Roberts made the admission on Heart Radio (Image: Heart Breakfast)

I’m A Celebrity’s Ashley Roberts has disclosed why she had a change of heart after initially turning down the opportunity to appear on the forthcoming All Stars edition of the ITV series. The Pussycat Dolls singer first appeared on I’m A Celebrity back in 2012 in what is widely considered one of the finest editions of the annual Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly programme.

Ashley Roberts, famed for her time with the Pussycat Dolls, has revealed why she reconsidered her initial decision to decline an offer to join the upcoming All Stars edition of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity. Ashley initially graced the jungle back in 2012, contributing to what many fans regard as one of the most memorable seasons of the show hosted annually by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

During her original stint, Ashley shared the camp with Coronation Street’s Helen Flanagan, Linda Robson from Loose Women, and ex-darts professional Eric Bristow. She impressively made it to the final, finishing as runner-up behind EastEnders star Charlie Brooks, known for her role as Janine Butcher on the BBC series, who took the coveted title of queen of the jungle.

Ashley Roberts is part of the All Stars cast (Image: PA)

Establishing herself as a major star in the UK, Ashley subsequently worked on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Channel 4’s The Jump and Strictly Come Dancing. Partnered with Pasha Kovalev, Ashley was a runner-up on the Strictly series which was won by Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

It was announced on Monday (March 10) that Ashley will be returning to the jungle in the second series of I’m A Celebrity South Africa. The inaugural series of the All Stars programme was won by Myleene Klass in 2023. Joining Ashley in South Africa are Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas, TV presenter Scarlett Moffatt, Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard, former champion boxer David Haye, comedian Seann Walsh, Red Dwarf and Coronation Street actor Craig Charles, Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah and TV personality Gemma Collins.

After her jungle adventure, Ashley became a familiar face on UK television, appearing on shows such as Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Channel 4’s The Jump, and Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with Pasha Kovalev, she danced her way to the finals of Strictly, finishing second to winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

Fans learned on Monday, March 10, that Ashley would be venturing back into the jungle for the second series of I’m A Celebrity South Africa. The series, which first crowned Myleene Klass in 2023, will see Ashley joined by a diverse group of celebrities including Emmerdale and Waterloo Road’s Adam Thomas, TV host Scarlett Moffatt, Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard, former boxing champion David Haye, comedian Seann Walsh, Red Dwarf and Corrie star Craig Charles, Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah, and TV personality Gemma Collins.

Completing the star-studded lineup are ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard and former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp, who was the king of the jungle in 2018. Although the series will be pre-recorded, viewers will have the chance to vote for the ultimate legend of 2026 in a live finale broadcast from London.

With Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda joking that ‘money talks’, Ashley said ‘there comes a time when you want to challenge yourself a little bit’. She noted: “I was like, I’m going to prove myself I can do some wild things, I said yes… We did shoot a little bit of it last year, but there’s going to be a live final this time around which is something they’ve never done before.”

Reflecting on her campmates, Ashley singled out Adam as being ‘so sweet’, while also praising Sir Mo, crediting him as someone the camp ‘wouldn’t have survived without’ thanks to his culinary talents.

“Listen this show changed my life, it’s the reason I’m here, it’s the reason I’m an adopted Brit, going back and paying homage to what brought me here,” she teased.

Russia Alters Strategy with Daytime Strikes in Latest ‘Easter Escalation’ Move

NewsFinale Journal
-
0


IN BRIEF

  • Russia has changed tactics and has started striking Ukraine in the daytime.
  • Ahead of Easter, drones struck residential and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine’s central Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions.

In a significant escalation of its ongoing military campaign, Russia launched a large-scale daytime attack on Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, describing it as an “Easter escalation.”

This marked a notable shift in Moscow’s strategy, as it has traditionally executed major drone and missile strikes under the cover of darkness throughout the conflict’s more than four-year duration. Recently, however, Russia has increasingly opted for daytime operations, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles. This shift set a new precedent on March 24, when the highest number of weapons was reported in a single daytime strike.

On Friday, residential areas and civilian infrastructure in the Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions were targeted by drone strikes, resulting in the deaths of one person in each location, according to statements made by the regional governors on Telegram.

President Zelenskyy addressed the situation on social media platform X, highlighting the intensified nature of the Russian attacks. “Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the recent developments.

“Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation,” Zelenskiy said on X.

On Friday evening, the governor of the eastern Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, said a Russian bomb strike killed three people in Kramatorsk, a frequent target in four years of conflict.

Kramatorsk is one of the heavily defended cities in the “fortress belt,” seen by Russia as a key target in its slow advance westward through Donetsk region.

Earlier this week, Zelenskyy proposed a halt in strikes for Easter holidays, and said Ukraine would reciprocate if Russia stopped attacks on the energy sector. Moscow rejected the idea.

“The purpose of these daytime strikes is clear. Russia is deliberately trying to increase the number of civilian victims, disrupt life, spread fear, and damage Ukraine’s infrastructure,” Ukraine Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on X.

Strike hits veterinary clinic

Ukraine has destroyed 515 out of 542 drones and 26 out of 37 missiles launched by Russia since Thursday evening, Ukraine’s air force said on the social media app, Telegram.

“We can see that the enemy is using new routes, new drones which they are constantly modernising, and new tactics,” air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on state television on Friday.

In the Kyiv region, a veterinary clinic was damaged in the strike alongside private houses, residential and administrative buildings. Around 20 animals were killed, governor Mykola Kalashnyk said.

In Zhytomyr region, 18 buildings – including houses – were destroyed and over 100 were damaged, authorities said.

Poland has scrambled fighter jets even though there was no record of Polish airspace having been violated, its military said.

In the northeastern region of Kharkiv, two people were killed, and over two dozen others were injured in missile, bomb and drone attacks over the past 24 hours, according to the region’s governor, Oleh Syniehubov.

“The current series of strikes has been perhaps the most intense since the start of the war and certainly the heaviest since the beginning of the year,” Kharkiv mayor, Ihor Terekhov said.

Ukraine hits back

On Saturday, Ukraine retaliated and launched a drone and missile attack on southern Russia killing at least one person, injuring four others, and sparking a blaze on a foreign-flagged vessel.

Yuri Slyusar, governor of the Rostov region, said one person was killed and four seriously injured in an air attack by Ukraine.

Commercial infrastructure was damaged during the missile attack on the city of Taganrog. A fire broke out in the warehouse premises of a logistics company, Slyusar added.

A commercial vessel was also damaged and a fire broke out as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack in the Sea of Azov.

Samara governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said the Russian city of Togliatti was attacked by Ukrainian drones. Ukraine has previously targeted the TogliattiAzot chemical fertiliser producer.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.

Tragic Palm Sunday: Gunmen on Bikes Unleash Havoc in Nigerian Village, Leaving 20 Dead

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Tragic Palm Sunday: Gunmen on Bikes Unleash Havoc in Nigerian Village, Leaving 20 Dead

An overnight assault in Nigeria’s north-central region has left at least 20 individuals dead, casting a shadow over Palm Sunday celebrations.

The incident occurred in the Gari Ya Waye community, situated in the Jos North area of Plateau State, as confirmed by Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state’s commissioner for information.

Details about the number of casualties, both injured and deceased, remain murky, and the identity of those responsible for the horrific event has yet to be determined.

Eyewitnesses shared with The Associated Press that attackers, arriving on motorcycles, unleashed a barrage of gunfire into the community, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 20 lives.

Police officers gather at the scene of Sunday night gunmen attack in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026.

In the aftermath, police officers convened at the scene of the attack in Gari Ya Waye, reflecting the grim reality faced by the community on Monday, March 30, 2026.

International Christian Concern (ICC), a global humanitarian organization, reported the gunmen killed at least 30 people.

ICC also noted at least 10 people were killed earlier Sunday, with humanitarian worker, Alex Barbir, stating on social media that the victims were Christians.

Following the attacks, the Plateau state government imposed a 48-hour curfew.

People gather at the scene of Sunday night gunmen attack in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026.

People gather at the scene of Sunday night attack in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026. (Samson Omale/AP Photo)

In 2025, the ICC documented the killing of at least 54 Christians in Zikke village near Jos following Palm Sunday celebrations.

More than 100 homes were destroyed during the ambush.

Nigeria is ranked the seventh-worst country in the world for Christian persecution, accounting for 72% of the total number of Christian killings worldwide in 2025, according to Open Doors, a global Christian charity.

People gather at the scene of Sunday night's gunmen attack in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026.

People gather in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026. (Samson Omale/AP Photo)

Last year alone, Open Doors records show 546 Christians were killed in the Plateau State.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

Michigan Dominates Arizona: A Final Four Showdown for the Ages!

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Michigan Dominates Arizona: A Final Four Showdown for the Ages!

Before charging onto the court, Michigan’s team huddled together, energizing one another with uplifting cheers. As they broke away, a voice rang out with the rallying cry, “B-T-A on three.”

For those unfamiliar, “B-T-A” translates to “belt to a**,” and over the course of Saturday’s 40-minute Final Four showdown, the Wolverines delivered precisely that to the Arizona Wildcats.

Every indicator, every prediction, every piece of analysis from experts, statisticians, and passionate fans suggested that this matchup would be a tightly contested battle destined for the history books.

Should discussions arise, they’ll undoubtedly focus on the dominant and unyielding 91-73 defeat Michigan handed the Wildcats in Indianapolis, securing their first spot in the national championship game since 2018.

Michigan entered halftime with a 16-point lead and maintained their momentum throughout. Even after their star player Yaxel Lendeborg suffered an injury, the Wolverines continued to dismantle Arizona’s defense, despite the Wildcats’ considerable talent.

Now, Michigan sets its sights on the national championship game and a matchup against two-seed UConn.

Michigan thoroughly dominated Arizona to set up a national championship clash with UConn

Michigan thoroughly dominated Arizona to set up a national championship clash with UConn

The Wolverines dominated the Wildcats in nearly every facet of the game from start to finish

The Wolverines dominated the Wildcats in nearly every facet of the game from start to finish

It was said at the beginning, but it cannot be overstated how close this game was supposed to be.

Arizona rolled into this game as the No. 2 team in the nation which had previously spent multiple weeks at No. 1. 

They beat every opponent in March by at least 15 points. They possessed a trio of enormously talented freshmen in Brayden Burries, Koa Peat and Ivan Karchenkov who could all score and play defense.

Arizona, the No. 1 team in KenPom (4th in offense, 2nd in defense), only barely edged out KenPom’s No. 2 team, Michigan (5th in offense, 1st in defense). Both teams had size, both teams played physical defense, both teams had the ability to score. 

It’s not that a Michigan victory was entirely out of the realm of possibility, it’s just that this win was so lopsided. The game was over within the first half of the first half when the Wolverines went up by 14.

An injury to Lendeborg, who hurt both his knee and his ankle on one play, almost made the game competitive. Arizona pulled together some dominant possessions and cut the deficit down to five.

Join the discussion

Did Michigan’s dominant win reveal flaws in Arizona’s strategy or true championship potential?

An injury to star forward Yaxel Lendeborg led to Arizona going back within striking distance

An injury to star forward Yaxel Lendeborg led to Arizona going back within striking distance

Elliot Cadeau shot poorly in the first half, but dished nine assists and played elite defense

Elliot Cadeau shot poorly in the first half, but dished nine assists and played elite defense

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd barks out orders to his players during the loss to Michigan

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd barks out orders to his players during the loss to Michigan

None of it mattered. Michigan ended the half on an 18-7 run, leaving Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd in need of an answer to deliver a result.

It’s shocking how it came to this. Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau was described as having ‘the greatest 2-14 night ever’ thanks to his smothering defense and plenty of assists. By night’s end, he’d tally 13 points, five rebounds and ten assists.

Spanish center Aday Mara stands only an inch taller than Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas and yet he feasted offensively over his counterpart. The native of Zaragoza celebrated a night with 26 points and nine rebounds.

A change in mentality or result or luck never came. Arizona continued to score, but Michigan never stopped scoring. It seemed every shot they put up would fall out of the sky and through the net.

The second half wasn't as lopsided as the first, but Arizona had no time to improve their luck

The second half wasn’t as lopsided as the first, but Arizona had no time to improve their luck

After a while, the buckets started to blend together. Occasionally, a vicious dunk would cause a groan to be let out by the Arizona faithful that traveled here from Tucson.

Fans filed to the exits early, sensing the impending final horn to spell an end to a season that will mark a return to the top of the sport’s lofty ladder – only to lose their grip and fall from the second-to-last rung.

It’s maybe the most thorough game Michigan has played all year – leaving Vegas and the analysts rushing to make them heavy favorites over Connecticut. After tonight’s result, it’s hard to blame them.

But Michigan coach Dusty May certainly doesn’t look past the Huskies. When asked why he put in Lendeborg while he was hampered and the game was ‘pretty well decided,’ the coach replied, ‘Well, apparently you guys missed the UConn-Duke game. The game was already decided that we were playing Duke tomorrow. They were up 19, correct, in the second half? And who won?’

New Tracking Data Unveils Behavior Patterns of Massive Male White Shark ‘Contender

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
New Tracking Data Unveils Behavior Patterns of Massive Male White Shark ‘Contender

Recent satellite tracking of Contender, the largest adult male white shark tagged in the Atlantic, is shedding light on potential reasons behind the migration patterns of these majestic creatures. This significant research is spearheaded by OCEARCH, a renowned organization dedicated to studying marine life.

Contender was tagged in January 2025 along the Florida/Georgia coastline. Since that pivotal moment, his journeys have been meticulously recorded through satellite pings, allowing scientists to map his movements and migration routes throughout the year.

On Wednesday, April 1, Contender was tracked as he ventured beyond the Gulf Stream, far off the coast of Georgia. This latest location update provides valuable insights for researchers keen on understanding the behavior of white sharks.

According to OCEARCH scientists, Contender’s swift transition from the coastal waters of Florida to the expansive depths of the ocean might indicate a breeding activity. As these patterns unfold, they offer a glimpse into the intricate lives of white sharks and the environmental cues that drive their migrations.

OCEARCH scientists said his recent movements from near the coast of Florida to rapidly moving out into deeper waters could be a sign of breeding. 

“This sudden movement could be to forage in deeper waters, but we cannot rule out the possibility that it’s related to reproduction at this time of year,” said OCEARCH Senior Data Scientist John Tyminski.


Contender the 14 foot great white shark is studied in the North Atlantic Ocean on June 11, 2025.
Contender is the largest adult male white shark tagged in the Atlantic. OCEARCH / SWNS

OCEARCH said these trends are common among mature male white sharks like Contender and Breton. 

Since his tag on Wednesday, Contender has moved back closer to the Georgia coast, still in deeper waters, but just on the edge of the Gulf Stream. 

Clocking in at nearly 14 feet long and roughly 1,650 pounds at the time of his tagging, Contender is OCEARCH’s largest male white shark ever tagged in the Atlantic.


A large great white shark being held next to a boat by researchers.
OCEARCH first tagged Contender in January 2025 off the Florida/Georgia coast. OCEARCH / SWNS

His movements have taken him all around the East Coast of the US, and up into Canada. 

OCEARCH is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and protecting sharks, whales, sea turtles and other ocean life, tagging these animals to track and study their migration habits and behaviors from afar. 

MCU’s Most Mysterious Hero Unveiled: Born Again Season 2 Delivers Long-Awaited Action

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
MCU’s Most Mysterious Hero Unveiled: Born Again Season 2 Delivers Long-Awaited Action



Warning: Spoilers ahead for “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2, Episode 3 – “The Scales & the Sword”


Jack Duquesne looking thoughtful on Daredevil: Born Again

Disney+

In the latest episode of “Daredevil: Born Again,” titled “The Scales & The Sword,” the spotlight turns to Jack Duquesne, played by Tony Dalton. He finds himself at the center of a sham trial orchestrated within a covert Anti-Vigilante Task Force facility. The proceedings brand him as the vigilante known as Swordsman, leading to his confinement in the same small holding cells we saw at the conclusion of Season 1. However, Daredevil, portrayed by Charlie Cox, has devised a daring plan to break in and liberate the captives.

Outside, Karen Page, depicted by Deborah Ann Woll, awaits as Jack steps up to assist Daredevil during the breakout, unofficially becoming his second-in-command. As events unfold, the tension escalates into one of Daredevil’s trademark hallway brawls. This time, viewers finally witness Jack in action as Swordsman, although not yet in full costume. Until now, the only glimpse of this persona was a grainy video referenced since the first season.

Despite the lack of costume, Jack’s identity as Swordsman is now officially recognized, and his skill with melee weapons marks him as a formidable vigilante in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ever since his introduction in “Hawkeye,” hints of his transition into Swordsman have been frequent and deliberate. The title of this particular episode is just one of many indicators, solidifying his vigilante role.

Jack Duquesne originally appeared poised to be a significant antagonist when he first entered the MCU through “Hawkeye.” This impression was a calculated move, leveraging Tony Dalton’s reputation for playing the sinister Lalo Salamanca in “Better Call Saul.” In the comics, Jack is both mentor and foe to Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner. However, the narrative twist reveals Jack as a refined gentleman, defying expectations and distance from breaking any profanity records in “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2. Remarkably, he emerges as one of the MCU’s most genuinely likable characters.

We’ve already seen what Jack Duquesne can do


Jack Duquesne and Heather Glenn sitting at a table on Daredevil: Born Again

JoJo Whilden/Disney+

Jack Duquesne seemed like he would turn out to be a major villain when he made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut on “Hawkeye.” This, of course, was by design. Casting Tony Dalton — known for portraying the bone-chilling villain Lalo Salamanca on “Better Call Saul” — as the character, whose comic book incarnation is Clint Barton’s (Jeremy Renner) mentor and adversary, was a clever red herring. In the end, Jack not only turned out to be a gentleman figure who’s unlikely to contribute to any Marvel Television profanity records for “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2, but he actually proved himself as one of the genuinely nicest characters in the MCU.

Although “The Scales & the Sword” marks the first time MCU Jack Duquesne has fought antagonists after being legally deemed to be the Swordsman, we have actually seen him in action before. In “Hawkeye,” he deftly duels Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), and he later uses his fencing skills to defeat a few Tracksuit Mafia goons. It’s that latter fight, in fact, that gives him the idea that vigilantism might be enjoyable. Perhaps now that the cat seems to be fully out of the bag we’ll get some better shots of Jack donning that Swordsman costume in the refined and confident second season of “Daredevil: Born Again.”

Government Warns: Lasting Impact of Economic and Fuel-Price Shifts Post-Middle East Conflict

NewsFinale Journal
-
0

IN BRIEF

  • Matt Thistlethwaite has warned that the economic shocks of the war in the MIddle East would have ‘a long tail’.
  • The assistant foreign affairs minister also acknowledged that high fuel prices would lift the cost of groceries and other essentials.

Motorists are being advised to brace for continued high fuel prices, even if the conflict in the Middle East ends quickly. As a response, there will be an enhancement in real-time fuel price monitoring.

Recently, the number of service stations experiencing shortages of petrol and diesel has decreased, following a surge in purchases triggered by both skyrocketing prices and regional supply issues.

Nationwide, less than 4% of the 8,000 service stations are currently out of diesel. This update was shared by the energy minister on Saturday, noting that a recent reduction in fuel excise has helped mitigate some price pressures stemming from the conflict.

On Easter Sunday, both the New South Wales and Western Australian governments announced new initiatives to enhance data collection and public awareness regarding fuel costs, while also stepping up oversight of retailers.

In Western Australia, Premier Roger Cook stated that by May, all service stations in the state will be required to report their prices to the government’s FuelWatch service. Failure to comply will result in increased fines, which could reach up to $4,000 for non-compliant retailers.

“Future measures that compel retailers to flag when they are out of fuel, or close to being, will be of great use to families, farmers and businesses, and will also help government to better identify the regions that are experiencing fuel shortages,” Cook said.

In NSW, the state-run FuelCheck service will get an extra $2.2 million in funding to give motorists instant information about fuel prices from about 2,400 service stations.

Retailers that break the rules face on-the-spot fines of $1100, or court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

Daily visits to the FuelCheck app and website soared 50-fold between January and late March, the state government said.

A compliance blitz of 1800 NSW service stations had already taken place, with 93 infringement notices issued since the start of April.

A temporary halving of fuel taxes by the federal government has helped bring down retail fuel prices, which have dropped about 30c per litre for unleaded petrol in recent days.

‘Still a lot more work to do’

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday that there were more than 50 ships carrying fuel on their way to Australia from Asian refineries, the US, Mexico and elsewhere.

New orders had more than replaced the cancelled ones and fuel companies were confident about the supply of 3.7 billion litres booked in for April and into May, he said during a weekly update on fuel supply.

He said Australia had about 39 days’ worth of petrol, 29 days of diesel, and 30 days of jet fuel in reserve and that the number of petrol stations facing a shortage of fuel was declining.

“The total number of service stations without diesel in Australia, which is where the main pressure has been, is 312 out of the around 8,000 service stations,” he told reporters.

“Now that does not mean that there is not still a lot more work to do, so that figure comes down to zero … but industry and government have been working closely together to ensure that we are filling those gaps.”

‘It’s going to have a long tail’

However, Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlethwaite has warned the economic and fuel-price shocks from the war in the Middle East would be felt long after it ended.

“It’s going to have a long tail, unfortunately,” he told Sky News on Sunday.

“If it ended tomorrow, there’d still be effects in the coming months, but we’re planning for that.”

Thistlethwaite also acknowledged high fuel prices would feed into inflation, lifting the cost of groceries and other essentials.

While the government should be commended for bolstering fuel stocks, the Australian Logistics Council said it must also look towards supply chain sustainability, resilience and productivity.

“This is the most serious global supply chain interruption to energy ever, and we need to see this in the context of Australia’s future,” chief executive Hermione Parsons told AAP.

Any measures needed to go beyond just replacing one source of energy, such as imported fuel or crude oil, with domestic production, she said, adding that renewable diesel, fleet electrification and relying more heavily on rail transport should also be in the mix.

Thistlewaite’s comments echo those of experts recently interviewed by SBS News, who said the war’s impact on global oil markets — and therefore the cost of living in Australia —may take months to fully unfold.

At present, Australia depends heavily on refined fuels from Asian refineries, and many of those refineries rely on oil that would ordinarily come through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has throttled in response to US and Israeli attacks.

The narrow waterway, running between Iran and Oman, funnels oil from the Persian Gulf into global shipping lanes and, before this year’s war, carried about 20 per cent of the world’s supply.

Like Thistlethwaite, supply chain and logistics experts have also said that the oil-price shock induced by the disruption of shipping through the strait would drive up food prices across Australia.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.

Iran Moderates Face Challenges as Internal Regime Tensions Intensify Over Trump Deal

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Iran Moderates Face Challenges as Internal Regime Tensions Intensify Over Trump Deal

Iranian officials advocating for dialogue with the United States face the risk of being branded as traitors and potentially facing severe consequences, warns a policy expert amid growing divisions within Iran’s new leadership.

Hooshang Amirahmadi, the president of the American Iranian Council, highlighted the increasing vulnerability of moderates who support engagement with Washington. This is happening at a time when the Trump administration suggests it is in communication with parts of a “new” Iranian leadership.

“If moderates push for negotiations and a ceasefire, they risk being labeled as traitors and could potentially be eliminated,” Amirahmadi shared with Fox News Digital.

Amirahmadi’s caution comes as the U.S. appears to be dealing with its own internal “fractures” during the ongoing conflict.

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the United States is involved in serious discussions with what he described as a “new” and “more reasonable” regime in Iran, as the conflict enters its fifth week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not specify whom the U.S. is negotiating with, but he did acknowledge the existence of “fractures.”

Rubio during Munich meeting

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister (not pictured) in Munich Feb. 13, 2026, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.  ( Alex Brandon/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

“Well, I’m not going to disclose to you who those people are, because it probably would get them in trouble with some other groups of people inside of Iran. Look, there are some fractures going on there internally,” Rubio said on “Good Morning America.”

“Anyone in Iran who speaks of negotiation is suspected of paving the way for more war and destruction,” Amirahmadi said before stating that the moderate reformers are thought of as “infiltrators and deemed traitors.”

Amirahmadi also confirmed Rubio’s comments and highlighted an internal struggle within Tehran’s power structure, where remnants of what he called the “old regime,” or the Khamenei-era system, still exist.

“Many of them support negotiation or a ceasefire. But the emerging new regime is made up of more hard-line elements and views the others as traitors,” he said.

“For a long time, there has been a serious gap — what we call a cleavage — between the hardliners or radicals and the moderates or reformists.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf attends a news conference at a conference hall in the Iranian Parliament building in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 2, 2025. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Amirahmadi also described how “assassination in the Islamic Republic is not a new phenomenon. It has been there for a long time.”

Amirahmadi spoke ahead of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth saying Tuesday that Washington remains firm on reaching an agreement to end the monthlong conflict involving the U.S., Israel and the Islamic Republic.

Speaking at a news conference, Hegseth reiterated that Trump is willing to make a deal to end the war, adding the new regime is now in place.

“If Iran is smart, it will make a deal. The new Iranian regime should already know that. This new regime, having undergone a regime change, should be smarter than the previous one. President Trump does not bluff and will not back down. He will make a deal, he is willing and the terms of the deal are known to them,” Hegseth said.

“The field and the war are in the control of the radical colonels, and that is what matters at this point,” Amirahmadi added.

“The established bureaucracy is still run by the same old moderate regime, but then that is not a new regime. The new regime is certainly more radical.”

Former Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi

Iran’s power structure is increasingly dominated by IRGC figures like Ahmad Vahidi (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the succession of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, the regime appears more reliant on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran’s power structure is increasingly dominated by IRGC figures like Ahmad Vahidi and Qods Force chief Esmail Qaani, alongside judicial figures such as Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ayatollah Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei.

While President Masoud Pezeshkian’s influence could have waned, figures like Saeed Jalili, Guardian Council insider Ayatollah Alireza Arafi and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continue shaping Iran’s security posture.

“There are basically the colonels; there are the Revolutionary Guards, people that are in the military. A few non-military hardliners are in universities, in government and places,” Amirahmadi added.

“They have changed the regime into a very radical regime,” Amirahmadi warned, “I don’t even think Khamenei’s son would favor negotiation, at least initially.

“His position and condition are not entirely clear. His leadership appears symbolic — a reaction, even a gesture against figures like Trump.

“Trump and Netanyahu wanted regime change, and they have already achieved it, but the regime has just become more radical,” Amirahmadi concluded.

Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture. 

Controversy Erupts as Joe Rogan Faces Accusations of Misinformation on Charlie Kirk Incident

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Controversy Erupts as Joe Rogan Faces Accusations of Misinformation on Charlie Kirk Incident

Joe Rogan finds himself at the center of controversy after being accused of fabricating his whereabouts during the assassination of Charlie Kirk, leading the popular podcast host to offer a strong rebuttal.

Rogan, now 58, was deep in conversation with entertainer Theo Von on Thursday’s episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” as he attempted to piece together the details surrounding Kirk’s murder that occurred in September.

“I was out elk hunting when all this happened,” Rogan recalled. “I was in Utah at the time, out in the mountains.”

Contrary to his recent statement, Rogan had previously reacted live to the assassination news during a September episode of his podcast featuring Charlie Sheen, visibly taken aback by the events.

The discrepancy in Rogan’s account was highlighted by an X user, who shared a video merging the two podcast episodes and commented, “What a strange thing to lie about.”

Others responded with similar comments, but Rogan was quick to push back on the criticism, as he insisted that he had merely made an innocent mistake.

‘Honestly I just remembered it wrong. I was elk hunting when Jimmy Kimmel was getting people angry at him for joking about the assassination and blaming it on MAGA,’ he wrote early Saturday on X.

‘I would never “lie” about that,’ Rogan added. ‘I just had a dumb memory moment.’

Joe Rogan said on Thursday's episode of his eponymous podcast that he was elk hunting in Utah when Charlie Kirk was murdered, even though he reacted in real time to the assassination

Joe Rogan said on Thursday’s episode of his eponymous podcast that he was elk hunting in Utah when Charlie Kirk was murdered, even though he reacted in real time to the assassination

The backlash to Rogan’s comments to Von was swift, with users across the internet questioning the popular podcaster’s account.

Rogan’s latest podcast had more than 1.6 million views, as of Saturday evening.

‘Well now you kind of can’t believe anything he says,’ one user wrote on X. ‘Once I catch you lying its [sic] over with. Damn joe why?’

Others baselessly accused Rogan of having more nefarious intentions with the retelling on his podcast.

‘He created an entire story about elk hunting and starlink etc and went off for 2 minutes,’ another X user wrote. ‘That’s not misremembering; that’s straight up lying.’

Some internet sleuths returned to Rogan’s podcast episode with Sheen and noted the discrepancy.

‘Just came by to see if I hallucinated Joe NOT elk hunting in Utah during Kirk’s assassination,’ one YouTube user said.

Another added: ‘Who else came here to confirm Rogan was in his studio and not hunting in Utah Mountains?’

Online commenters across social media platforms also questioned Rogan’s memory, wondering how he could misremember such an event.

‘How tf do you forget being on your podcast with Charlie Sheen while learning in real time about Charlie Kirk’s murder?’ one user on X wrote.

‘He definitely was with Charlie Sheen,’ another added.

But others were more sympathetic to Rogan, saying that he had a slip of the tongue that was not alarming.

‘Maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t a lie,’ one X user said. ‘Maybe he is human and can’t remember s*** like the rest of us. Not everything is malicious.’

Another called the accusations that Rogan was lying ‘moronic,’ opining that the comedian and UFC commentator had no reason to be embellishing the story.

‘Why would Joe “lie” about a moment when he was on camera, seen by millions of people?’ the user wrote. ‘It was obviously a memory lapse, he’s almost 60… Not everything is a conspiracy theory.’

Another user on YouTube mentioned that it was ‘possible to misremember things,’ adding that Rogan ‘most likely just forgot.’

‘If he lied on purpose he’d know that people can literally prove him wrong with his own podcasts,’ they added.

Kirk was assassinated on September 10 in Orem, Utah, during an outdoor debate event planned by Turning Point USA

Kirk was assassinated on September 10 in Orem, Utah, during an outdoor debate event planned by Turning Point USA

However, Rogan’s apology on Saturday was not widely accepted despite his explanation.

‘When Charlie got killed it was a moment like 9/11,’ one X user wrote. ‘You simply don’t “forget” where you were and especially if you were talking about it live as it happened.’

Another user posted: ‘Memory moment is what we’re calling it now lol.’

Others noted how it was unusual for Rogan to respond to viral criticism but had quickly addressed this.

‘Joe rarely comments on anything about himself, usually just doesn’t care,’ a third user said. ‘Wild.’

Kirk was killed on September 10 in Orem at the Utah Valley University campus during an outdoor debate event planned by Turning Point USA, which he founded.

Rogan’s reaction to the conservative activist’s assassination went viral, with the episode amassing more than 5.6 million views to date.

Kirk’s accused murderer Tyler James Robinson, 22, is facing capital murder charges and a potential death sentence.

Robinson’s defense attorneys now argue that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ‘was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied’ to him.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Joe Rogan Experience’s production team for further comment.

Cornerstone Church Hosts Successful Easter Egg Hunt, Filling Baskets with Joy

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Cornerstone Church Hosts Successful Easter Egg Hunt, Filling Baskets with Joy


JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The spirit of Easter was in full swing in the Tri-Cities on Saturday, as numerous churches and community groups came together to organize festive events and egg hunts.

Among these celebrations, Cornerstone Church in Johnson City stood out with its vibrant egg hunt and free hot dog lunch, drawing families from the area. “Our egg hunt is an annual tradition and a significant outreach effort,” explained Andrew Burns, the Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Church. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage children with the gospel message, using eggs, candy, food, inflatables, and all the exciting activities.”

In preparation for the event, Burns shared with News Channel 11 that the church community came together to hide approximately 2,500 eggs over the preceding weeks. “We have about five acres of land to utilize,” Burns noted. “We spread the eggs out extensively, and occasionally, we even stumble upon some leftovers the following year.”

Burns told News Channel 11 the Church had kids hide around 2,500 eggs for the hunt in the weeks before.

“Yeah, we have about, I’d say about five acres of space to cover that we try and hide the eggs and spread them out really good,” said Burns. “Sometimes we find them the next year.”

Easter service at Cornerstone Church will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
1...8910...2,410Page 9 of 2,410

Subscribe for exclusive content

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.

Subscribe

Copyright Newsfinal Publications.