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Lauren Coughlin builds 5-shot lead at Aramco Championship

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(Photo credit score: Mike Lang / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Images)

Lauren Coughlin was one among simply two gamers to interrupt 70 on a windy Friday on the Aramco Championship in Las Vegas, and she or he opened a five-shot lead on the event’s midpoint.

The University of Virginia product carded a 3-under-par 69 at Shadow Creek Golf Course, leaving her at 8-under 136.

Ireland’s Leona Maguire shot 71 within the second spherical to finish in a tie for second with South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim, the world’s third-ranked participant, who had a 73 on Friday. Both are at 3 underneath.

First-round co-leader Miyu Yamashita of Japan (second-round 75), Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen (70) and world No. 3 Nelly Korda (74) are tied for fourth at 2 underneath.

Canada’s Anna Huang (71), Japan’s Akie Iwai (71), Angel Yin (71) and Jing Yan (75) are all at 1 underneath, sharing seventh place.

Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who was tied atop the leaderboard with Coughlin and Yamashita following the primary spherical, stumbled to a 78 and is tied for fifteenth at 1 over.

The inaugural Aramco Championship, co-sanctioned by the LPGA and Ladies European Tour, contains a purse of $4 million and replaces the T-Mobile Match Play on the schedule.

Coughlin’s spherical featured six birdies and three bogeys. After a bogey at No. 6, Coughlin started a run that featured 4 birdies and two pars.

‘From there I sort of began to play actually, actually good,’ she mentioned. It was actually troublesome on the market. The wind was sort of swirling at occasions and lots of crosswinds, is it hurting or serving to. Very troublesome. The greens firmed up as they do within the afternoon, particularly with the wind.’

Coughlin recorded each of her LPGA Tour wins in 2024. She presently has the biggest lead of her profession after any spherical since her victory on the Women’s Scottish Open two years in the past.

‘There is lots of golf to be performed. As you may see, you may make massive numbers actually simply. So simply attempt to keep on with what I’ve been doing the final two days and see what occurs.’

Maguire had three birdies and three bogeys on the day earlier than she birdied the par-5 18th gap.

‘Going out, I believe we knew it was going to be robust,’ Maguire mentioned. ‘Obviously so much windier, completely different wind than we acquired all week as nicely, which made some holes play fairly a bit longer. We knew we have been going to get the firmer finish of the greens this afternoon, so only a case of staying extraordinarily affected person.’

Kim logged a double bogey on the par-4 sixth gap in an up-and-down spherical that started and ended with a birdie.

–Field Level Media

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Japan’s Iconic Castles Come Alive With Peak Cherry Blossoms

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KANAGAWA, Apr 04 (News On Japan) –
Cherry blossom season is in full swing throughout Japan, with stay experiences highlighting among the nation’s most scenic places the place historic castles and blooming sakura will be loved collectively.

From Odawara Castle in Kanagawa Prefecture, the place the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms have simply reached full bloom, guests are being handled to a spectacular show beneath delicate temperatures of round 17 levels Celsius. Despite heavy rain the day gone by, the blossoms stay vibrant, drawing giant crowds desperate to seize the picturesque distinction between the fragile pink flowers and the imposing fortress tower.

Odawara Castle, as soon as a stronghold of the Hojo clan in the course of the Sengoku interval, famously withstood assaults from forces led by Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen. Today, its reconstructed maintain, restored in 1960 following public demand, serves as each a historic landmark and a preferred viewing platform. From the highest, guests can look out over a sea of cherry blossoms, experiencing the season from an elevated vantage level.

The mixture of castles and cherry blossoms, now thought of quintessentially Japanese, largely developed after the Meiji period, when many former fortress grounds had been transformed into public parks and planted with sakura timber. This transformation created the long-lasting landscapes loved in the present day.

At evening, Odawara Castle gives a distinct environment, with illuminated cherry blossoms casting a delicate glow towards the white partitions of the fortress, making a dreamlike scene. The nighttime light-up occasion is scheduled to proceed by way of April twelfth, permitting guests to get pleasure from various expressions of spring all through the day.

Further west in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Hikone Castle—certainly one of simply twelve castles in Japan with an authentic maintain nonetheless intact and designated as a nationwide treasure—can also be nearing peak bloom. Around 1,100 cherry timber line the grounds, offering a scenic climb to the primary maintain, the place guests are rewarded with sweeping views.

From the fortress’s elevated place, guests can soak up a uncommon mixture of cherry blossoms, stone partitions, and the expansive Lake Biwa within the background. Another spotlight is the reflection of the blossoms within the fortress moat, making a mirror-like “upside-down castle” impact that enhances the already picturesque setting.

Due to the cooling affect of Lake Biwa’s waters, that are fed by snowmelt, temperatures within the space are usually decrease than in close by Kyoto and Osaka, leading to a barely later blooming season. This permits guests to benefit from the cherry blossoms for an extended interval.

Elsewhere, Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture—each a nationwide treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage website—gives a placing distinction between its good white exterior and the delicate pink hues of cherry blossoms, that are presently round 70% in bloom. Meanwhile, Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture, recognized for its distinctive black exterior, presents a distinct aesthetic, with weeping cherry timber already in full bloom and Somei Yoshino blossoms simply starting to open.

Tsuyama Castle in Okayama Prefecture, certainly one of Japan’s three nice flatland mountain castles, can also be drawing consideration for its expansive cherry blossom shows, creating a strong visible influence throughout its huge grounds.

As climate circumstances stay favorable throughout a lot of the nation, many places are anticipated to keep up their blossoms into the approaching week, providing ample alternatives for guests to get pleasure from Japan’s iconic fusion of historical past and seasonal magnificence.

Source: KTV NEWS

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Iranian Man Found Dead on Hospital Grounds in Aichi, Assault Suspected

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AICHI, Apr 04 (News On Japan) –
A 41-year-old Iranian man who was discovered collapsed on the grounds of a hospital in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, has been confirmed lifeless, with police suspecting he was assaulted earlier than his physique was deserted.

The man was found mendacity in a rotary space throughout the premises of Toyokawa Municipal Hospital within the early hours of April third, and was later confirmed lifeless. He had suffered a big head wound and a number of accidents throughout his physique, prompting police to determine a particular investigation unit on suspicion that he had been attacked by a number of people and subsequently left on the scene.

Investigators later recognized the sufferer as Alireza Sharmoladi, a 41-year-old Iranian nationwide with no fastened tackle or recognized occupation.

According to investigative sources, a separate report was acquired concerning an incident on the Shinshiro parking space alongside the Tomei Expressway, positioned roughly 13 kilometers from the place the physique was discovered, wherein a person was seen arguing with three people believed to be overseas nationals and was allegedly struck with what gave the impression to be a metallic pipe. Police are at the moment analyzing whether or not the 2 incidents are linked.

Source: TBS

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Man turns himself in over suspected arson at Shibuya ‘Scramble Crossing’ – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have detained a person suspected of committing arson on the world-famous on the well-known “Scramble Crossing” on Friday evening.

At roughly 9:00 p.m., a hearth broke out on the busy intersection in entrance of JR Shibuya Station, burning gadgets together with kerosene and plastic bottles.

According to the Tokyo Fire Department, 4 pump vehicles rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames inside quarter-hour. Fortunately, no accidents had been reported.

Footage captured by a TV Asahi data digicam confirmed an individual scattering a liquid onto the road earlier than setting it alight.

Police later confirmed {that a} man, believed to be in his 40s or 50s, turned himself in alone at an area police station.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to the brazen act, reportedly telling investigators, “I scattered liquid and set it on fire with a lighter.”

Police are at present interrogating the person to find out his motive for the incident.

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How household motion pictures are taking up moviegoing, one blockbuster at a time

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As “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” lands in theaters, coloring stations, collectible popcorn containers and mascot Marios are all in place to entice arguably probably the most prized moviegoers to Hollywood at the moment: children.

By Sunday, Universal Pictures expects the five-day opening of the “Super Mario” sequel to achieve $186 million domestically, and round $350 million worldwide. That would make it simply the most important hit of the yr, surpassing a pair of successes that additionally launched with younger moviegoers in thoughts: Pixar’s “Hoppers” ($297 million worldwide) and Amazon MGM’s “Project Hail Mary” ($300.8 million).

It’s not the beginning of a brand new pattern however the fruits of 1. In 2024, PG-rated motion pictures outgrossed another score for the primary time in a long time, with $3.18 billion in home ticket gross sales in line with Comscore. Five of the highest six motion pictures worldwide have been PG motion pictures: “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Wicked” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

Last yr was no totally different. PG-rated movies amassed $2.96 billion, once more besting the longtime chief, PG-13. The high attracts globally have been “Ne Zha 2,” “Zootopia 2,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “A Minecraft Movie” and the PG-13-rated however not precisely kid-adverse “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

Good news has been onerous to come back by in Hollywood. Contraction, most not too long ago with Paramount Skydance’s deliberate buy of Warner Bros. Discovery, has added to the anxieties of an already jittery business. While ticket gross sales are up to date in 2026, they continue to be greater than 20% beneath pre-pandemic ranges. In February, AMC, the nation’s largest exhibitor, mentioned it might proceed to shutter underperforming theaters.

But regardless of quite a lot of speak concerning the imperiled way forward for moviegoing, future moviegoers — children — are turning out in droves.

“There’s a recognition that this is an increasingly important group of movie fans and we’re doing everything we can to make sure their experience is wonderful,” says Michael O’Leary, president and chief govt of Cinema United, the commerce group for theater homeowners.

Gen Alpha, these aged 12 or youthful, might even be the flicks’ finest hope. A examine final yr by the National Research Group discovered that no generational group needed to observe motion pictures on the massive display, versus at dwelling, greater than Gen Alpha.

“We’re emboldened by some of the research that indicates younger folks are the fastest growing demographic of people going to the movies,” O’Leary says. “We’re very much focused on the fact that we have to build the next generation of movie fans.”

In 2023, “The Super Mario Movie,” a part of Universal’s collaboration with Nintendo and “Minions”-maker Illumination, grossed $1.36 billion. Its sequel is prone to get near that, and add to a mounting string of $1 billion children motion pictures. The most up-to-date was The Walt Disney Co.’s “Zootopia 2,” which grew to become the highest-grossing Hollywood animated movie of all time with a whopping $1.87 billion.

Increasingly, a era that grew up with smartphones, iPads and Netflix is propelling at the moment’s greatest blockbusters.

“What’s been true for a long time and is maybe even truer today: Families want to be out,” says Jim Orr, distribution chief for Universal, which not too long ago introduced the enlargement of its unique theatrical window from three weekends to 5. “They want to do things. They want to make memories.”

“No one talks about: Remember that great time when we sat on the couch?”

And this yr would be the most kid-catered yr on the motion pictures but. There are 26 wide-release PG motion pictures slated for 2026, up from 24 in 2025 and 18 in 2024.

That features a summer time lineup that’s household pleasant on an almost week-to-week foundation. Potential blockbusters lined up embrace “Toy Story 5” (June 19), “Minions & Monsters” (July 1) and the live-action “Moana” (July 10). Though at the moment unrated, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” (May 22) and “Supergirl” (June 26), to not point out “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (July 31), will all additionally goal younger moviegoers.

The PG surge comes a number of years after most household motion pictures detoured to streaming throughout the pandemic, a shift that some, on the time, feared would change into everlasting.

“The family film has literally come back from near-extinction,” says Paul Dergarabedian, head of market traits for Comscore. “The one genre that really took a major hit with the pandemic was the family film.”

But children more and more rely amongst a key class for theaters: the recurring moviegoer. That’s thought of going to 6 or extra motion pictures a yr. And it’s not simply youthful children. Last yr, 41% of Gen Z moviegoers went to the flicks not less than six occasions, in line with NRG, up from 31% two years earlier.

For cinephiles who’ve lengthy feared film theaters successfully turning into mini theme parks, the predominance of kid-oriented franchise blockbusters is unlikely to allay these considerations. Mid-budget, grownup releases are more and more uncommon. Dramas and comedies have struggled to draw audiences. Family-friendly motion pictures occupying an even bigger slice of cinemas is partially as a result of grownup moviegoing has waned.

But if older moviegoers are tougher to coax away from the sofa, households have been extra keen. For them, the enchantment of getting out of the home, regardless of rising ticket prices or the choices on streaming companies, is as sturdy as ever.

“In many instances, they’re going to the theater to get away from all of the other screens that inhabit their lives,” says O’Leary. “When I was a kid, you went to the movies, in part, to escape from something. So it’s a new variation on that old theme.”

Dergarabedian has taken to calling PG the brand new PG-13. If barely adult-leaning motion pictures as soon as occupied the middle of the multiplex, that territory now belongs to the PG film.

“The kids that are going to the movies today are going to take their kids tomorrow,” Dergarabedian says. “As long as people keep making kids, the future of the movie theater experience is assured.”

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials might not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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AI provides Japan's voice actors new industrial clout, rights protections

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Efforts to harness the voices of dubbing artists for industrial use are gaining momentum in Japan, spotlighting their potential to spice up the worldwide attain of Japanese anime within the age of synthetic intelligence.

AI-powered instruments are additionally anticipated to strengthen protections for performers whose voices have change into more and more worthwhile whilst their skilled standing and rights stay weak.

The Tokyo-based Voice Integrity and Dubbing Advancement Association unveiled its initiatives towards these objectives at a press convention final November.

Voice actor Mika Kanai took the stage and delivered a easy line in Japanese: “You just said you are hungry, but what exactly do you want to eat?” Her phrases have been then rendered in a number of overseas languages, together with English and Chinese — however they nonetheless seemed like Kanai.

The demonstration showcased a generative AI system developed by U.S. software program agency ElevenLabs, which makes a speciality of AI voice era. The know-how can translate spoken phrases into greater than 30 languages whereas preserving the speaker’s authentic voice high quality, in accordance with VIDA.

The system additionally embeds digital watermarks into media information, permitting creators and rights holders to trace how voice recordings are used, confirm possession and assist forestall unauthorized copying or theft.

The affiliation, based by voice actor businesses and different trade gamers, plans to make use of the know-how in session with rights holders to help the abroad growth of Japanese anime.

“Sales of Japanese anime have increased significantly overseas, and voice actors are very popular,” stated VIDA consultant director Masakazu Kubo. “The number of fans will further increase if voice actors’ original voices are used without dubbing.”

In a associated improvement, main buying and selling home Itochu Corp and the Japan Actors Union introduced an settlement final November to ascertain an official voice database often known as J-Vox-Pro.

The platform is meant to soundly retailer, handle and supply performers’ voices — together with these of voice actors and different performers — to be used in Japan and abroad.

The initiative displays rising concern inside the trade about how simply voices can now be reproduced utilizing AI.

Under present Japanese legislation, an individual’s voice itself will not be acknowledged as copyrighted materials. As a end result, AI methods can legally be taught from recordings of voice actors and generate similar-sounding voices with out violating copyright guidelines.

Videos utilizing such AI-generated voices with out permission are already extensively circulated on-line.

For many performers, the problem carries financial implications in addition to authorized ones.

Voice actors typically wrestle to search out regular work, with many incomes lower than 3 million yen a 12 months.

Because they typically work as freelancers, their private and financial rights may be tough to guard, in accordance with Itochu and different organizations concerned within the challenge.

The J-Vox-Pro database is designed to create a mechanism by way of which performers can earn revenue when their registered voices — or AI-generated voices based mostly on them — are utilized by corporations.

Potential purposes for such know-how prolong past leisure. AI-generated variations of dubbing artists’ voices might be utilized in automotive navigation methods or to learn medical directions for aged individuals who have problem seeing small print.

The Japan Actors Union can also be contemplating extra measures to fight the unauthorized use of performers’ voices, together with searching for court docket injunctions towards unapproved reproductions and suing for damages.

“The private-sector initiative to certify the original voices of dubbing actors should be effective in preventing the use of unauthorized voices to some extent,” stated Kazuhiro Ando, a professor of mental property legislation at Toyo University.

“But as there are limits, it is necessary to advance legislative measures and crack down on the practice,” he stated.

© KYODO

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Rescue Mission Races To Find Crew Member Of US Jet Downed Over Iran

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01:08

We are actually closing the stay weblog for the day. We’ll be again tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. Central European time to cowl the newest occasions throughout the Middle East.

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01:05

Rescue Mission Races To Find Crew Member Of US Jet Downed Over Iran

WASHINGTON — Rescue groups proceed to go looking early on April 4 for a US crew member lacking after their fighter jet was introduced down over Iran, one in every of two American forces planes reportedly knocked out of the sky within the area a day earlier.

A US official informed RFE/RL one crew member was recovered whereas the search is ongoing for the second within the first identified lack of an American airplane, a two-seat F-15E jet, to hostile fireplace for the reason that conflict started.

Separately, a US official later mentioned one other US Air Force warplane, an A-10 assault plane, crashed within the Persian Gulf and that the lone pilot in that incident was safely recovered. Full particulars weren’t instantly out there.

Iranian state media additionally reported the downing of each planes. Iranian officers mentioned in addition they had been looking for the lacking crew member of the primary airplane and urged residents to report back to the authorities any info that might result in the airman’s seize.

Specifics of the Iran rescue mission weren’t supplied by the US official who spoke to RFE/RL.

To learn the complete story, clickhere.

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20:41

US Embassy In Lebanon Warns That Iran, Allies Could Target Universities

The US Embassy in Lebanon on April 3 warned that Iran and its allied teams may try to focus on universities within the nation.

“Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target universities in Lebanon,” asecurity alertsaid on the embassy web site.

“The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable. Air strikes, drones and rocket attacks occur throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut,” the safety alert additionally mentioned.

The American University in central Beirut is without doubt one of the most prestigious instructional establishments within the area.

“If you are in the country, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial flight options remain available,” it added.

It didn’t establish any particular establishments, nevertheless it comes days after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to focus on US universities within the Middle East, claiming that US-Israeli strikes had destroyed two Iranian universities.

Lebanon is house to the American University of Beirut, one of the vital distinguished US establishments within the area, whose campus and hospital are in central Beirut.

The Israeli navy has been blasting websites in Beirut and southern Lebanon identified to deal with property of the Iran-backed Hezbollah motion, deemed a terrorist group by the United States.

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20:23

UN Security Council Set To Vote On Plan To Open Strait Of Hormuz Amid Divisions

The United Nations Security Council is predicted to vote on April 4 on a revised decision aimed toward restoring business transport by means of the Strait of Hormuz, as world powers stay divided over how far to go in confronting Irans blockade of the essential waterway.

The newest draft, put ahead by Bahrain, has reportedly been scaled again after opposition from veto-wielding members China, Russia, and France, who objected to earlier language that will have approved international locations to make use of all obligatory means to safe the waterway. That led to a delay in holding the vote, which was initially scheduled for April 3.

The Associated Pressreportedthat a revised model of the textual content now permits just for defensive measures to make sure secure passage by means of the strait and adjoining waters, marking a compromise aimed toward avoiding a veto whereas nonetheless enabling some type of coordinated response.

The vote comes at a pivotal second within the conflict that started with joint US-Israeli strikes in late February, with Irans efficient closure of the strait roiling world power markets and sparking longer-term fears of fallout from blocked fertilizer and provide chain shipments.

China has remained publicly against any decision that might legitimize the usage of power, with Fu Cong, Beijing ambassador to the UN, saying that “any such authorization would inevitably lead to further escalation and serious consequences” as he urged members to prioritize a political settlement.

Read extraright here.

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19:50

Egyptian Citizen Killed In Abu Dhabi After Iranian Missile Strike

A citizen of Egypt was killed and 4 folks suffered minor accidents after particles from an intercepted Iranian missile fell on Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gasoline amenities on April 3, the emirate’s media workplace reported.

The Egyptian was killed through the evacuation of the location, the workplace mentioned. Four others — two Egyptians and two Pakistanis — sustained minor accidents, it added.

“Significant damage has occurred at the facilities and an assessment is ongoing,” it mentioned.

With reporting by Reuters

Earlier, authorities in Abu Dhabi — part of the United Arab Emirates — mentioned 12 folks had been injured by falling particles within the Ajban space. The injured had been Nepalese and Indian nationals, authorities mentioned.

Tehran has focused US Gulf Arab allies in retaliation for the US-Israeli air strikes towards Iran that started on February 28.

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17:57

Italy’s Meloni Travels To Saudi Arabia In Show Of Support Amid Iranian Attacks

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has flown to Saudi Arabia for a beforehand unannounced journey that may also embody conferences with officers from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, a authorities official mentioned on April 3.

Meloni’s two-day go to is aimed toward displaying help for Gulf companions which might be within the Iranian line of fireplace and to guard Italy’s personal power provides, the official mentioned.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (file picture).

Italy is very depending on power imports and has been struck by rising power costs.

Reuters reported that earlier than the conflict, about 10 % of Italy’s complete gasoline consumption was coated by Qatari liquefied pure gasoline and that Middle East oil accounted for 12 % of Italy’s complete oil imports final yr.

It wasn’t instantly clear if Meloni would go to Qatar and the UAE or meet with officers whereas in Saudi Arabia.

It is the primary journey by a European Union chief to Saudi Arabia for the reason that United States and Israel launched their air marketing campaign towards Iran on the finish of February.

Tehran has retaliated for the air strikes by launching missile a drone assaults towards Israel and most Gulf Arab states.

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15:42

France Demands Immediate Release Of Iranian Human Rights Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh

Nasrin Sotoudeh

France has demanded that Iran launch distinguished Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was arrested on April 1 at her residence in Tehran.

“France calls for the immediate release of Nasrin Sotoudeh and all those arbitrarily detained in Iran,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman mentioned.

Mehraveh Khandan, the legal professional’s daughter who resides outdoors Iran, mentioned safety forces additionally confiscated Sotoudeh’s private digital units, together with her cell phone and laptop computer.

Reza Khandan, Sotoudeh’s husband, has been in jail since December 2024.

Sotoudeh, who gained awards together with the 2012 Sakharov Prize of the European Parliament and the 2020 Right Livelihood award, has been arrested a number of occasions since 2010.

She has campaigned for quite a lot of human rights-related points within the repressive state, together with working to forestall the execution of individuals convicted of crimes dedicated whereas minors.

Her detention has included intervals of solitary confinement, highlighting the challenges confronted by human rights defenders in Iran. Tehran has additional cracked down on dissent throughout its present conflict with the United States and Israel.

“This arrest is yet another illustration of the Iranian regime’s systematic policy of persecuting and intimidating human rights defenders, which must stop,” the French ministry spokesman mentioned.

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13:58

Britain Deploys Its Air Defense System To Kuwait

Britain is deploying its air protection system to Kuwait, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s workplace introduced on April 3, following an in a single day Iranian drone assault on a Kuwaiti oil facility.

Starmer mentioned the deployment of the UKs Rapid Sentry air protection system to the Gulf nation, throughout a name with the crown prince of Kuwait. The dialog occurred simply hours after a drone assault hit the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, one of the vital essential in Kuwait and the broader area.

According to apress launch from Starmer’s workplace,the Rapid Sentry system, which is designed primarily to shoot down drones and different low-flying aerial threats, will defend Kuwaiti and British personnel and pursuits within the area.

The British prime minister condemned the “reckless” in a single day drone assault on the Kuwaiti oil refinery and reiterated that the UK stands with Kuwait and all its allies within the Gulf.

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12:52

WHO Raises Alarm Over Risks To Health Facilities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the battle in Iran and the broader area is impacting the supply of well being providers and the security of well being employees, sufferers, and civilians at well being amenities.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus mentioned that for the reason that begin of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, “WHO has verified over 20 attacks on health care in Iran, resulting in at least nine deaths.”

In a April 2 X publish, Ghebreyesus highlighted injury to the Pasteur Institute of Iran — a number one Iranian medical analysis middle based in 1920 — saying the power had suffered intensive injury and was not in a position to ship its ordinary well being providers.

While finest identified for its public well being analysis, together with work on infectious illnesses, the power has confronted worldwide scrutiny up to now. In 2007, the Japanese authorities listed it as an entity of concern over potential organic and chemical weapons proliferation.

Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, a former coronary heart surgeon, condemned the alleged assault on the Pasteur Institute, urging worldwide well being organizations and physicians worldwide to reply to this “crime against humanity.”

However, a US official denied that American forces struck the Pasteur Institute, and an Israeli navy spokesperson mentioned they had been “not aware” of any IDF strike on the power on that day,in response to The Wall Street Journal.

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09:54

US Hit Key Bridge To ‘Eliminate Military Supply Route’

Photos shared on social media confirmed the broken bridge.

A US Central Command (CENTCOM) protection official has informed RFE/RL’s Radio Farda that US forces struck a key bridge in northern Iran to eradicate a “planned military supply route for sustaining Iran’s ballistic missile and attack drone force.”

The B1 freeway bridge, which hyperlinks Tehran to Karaj within the Alborz Province and has been described in Iranian media as the very best within the Middle East, was hit by two US air strikes on April 2, inflicting vital injury.

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Rescuers Search For Missing Crew Member Of US Jet Downed Over Iran

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01:08

We at the moment are closing the reside weblog for the day. We’ll be again tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. Central European time to cowl the most recent occasions throughout the Middle East.

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01:05

Rescue Mission Races To Find Crew Member Of US Jet Downed Over Iran

WASHINGTON — Rescue groups proceed to look early on April 4 for a US crew member lacking after their fighter jet was introduced down over Iran, one among two American forces planes reportedly knocked out of the sky within the area a day earlier.

A US official instructed RFE/RL one crew member was recovered whereas the search is ongoing for the second within the first recognized lack of an American airplane, a two-seat F-15E jet, to hostile fireplace because the struggle started.

Separately, a US official later mentioned one other US Air Force warplane, an A-10 assault plane, crashed within the Persian Gulf and that the lone pilot in that incident was safely recovered. Full particulars weren’t instantly obtainable.

Iranian state media additionally reported the downing of each planes. Iranian officers mentioned in addition they have been trying to find the lacking crew member of the primary airplane and urged residents to report back to the authorities any info that would result in the airman’s seize.

Specifics of the Iran rescue mission weren’t offered by the US official who spoke to RFE/RL.

To learn the complete story, clickhere.

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20:41

US Embassy In Lebanon Warns That Iran, Allies Could Target Universities

The US Embassy in Lebanon on April 3 warned that Iran and its allied teams might try to focus on universities within the nation.

“Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target universities in Lebanon,” asecurity alertsaid on the embassy web site.

“The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable. Air strikes, drones and rocket attacks occur throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut,” the safety alert additionally mentioned.

The American University in central Beirut is without doubt one of the most prestigious academic establishments within the area.

“If you are in the country, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial flight options remain available,” it added.

It didn’t determine any particular establishments, however it comes days after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to focus on US universities within the Middle East, claiming that US-Israeli strikes had destroyed two Iranian universities.

Lebanon is dwelling to the American University of Beirut, one of the vital outstanding US establishments within the area, whose campus and hospital are in central Beirut.

The Israeli army has been blasting websites in Beirut and southern Lebanon recognized to deal with property of the Iran-backed Hezbollah motion, deemed a terrorist group by the United States.

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20:23

UN Security Council Set To Vote On Plan To Open Strait Of Hormuz Amid Divisions

The United Nations Security Council is anticipated to vote on April 4 on a revised decision geared toward restoring business transport by the Strait of Hormuz, as international powers stay divided over how far to go in confronting Irans blockade of the essential waterway.

The newest draft, put ahead by Bahrain, has reportedly been scaled again after opposition from veto-wielding members China, Russia, and France, who objected to earlier language that will have approved nations to make use of all obligatory means to safe the waterway. That led to a delay in holding the vote, which was initially scheduled for April 3.

The Associated Pressreportedthat a revised model of the textual content now permits just for defensive measures to make sure protected passage by the strait and adjoining waters, marking a compromise geared toward avoiding a veto whereas nonetheless enabling some type of coordinated response.

The vote comes at a pivotal second within the struggle that started with joint US-Israeli strikes in late February, with Irans efficient closure of the strait roiling international power markets and sparking longer-term fears of fallout from blocked fertilizer and provide chain shipments.

China has remained publicly against any decision that would legitimize the usage of drive, with Fu Cong, Beijing ambassador to the UN, saying that “any such authorization would inevitably lead to further escalation and serious consequences” as he urged members to prioritize a political settlement.

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19:50

Egyptian Citizen Killed In Abu Dhabi After Iranian Missile Strike

A citizen of Egypt was killed and 4 individuals suffered minor accidents after particles from an intercepted Iranian missile fell on Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gasoline amenities on April 3, the emirate’s media workplace reported.

The Egyptian was killed throughout the evacuation of the location, the workplace mentioned. Four others — two Egyptians and two Pakistanis — sustained minor accidents, it added.

“Significant damage has occurred at the facilities and an assessment is ongoing,” it mentioned.

With reporting by Reuters

Earlier, authorities in Abu Dhabi — part of the United Arab Emirates — mentioned 12 individuals have been injured by falling particles within the Ajban space. The injured have been Nepalese and Indian nationals, authorities mentioned.

Tehran has focused US Gulf Arab allies in retaliation for the US-Israeli air strikes in opposition to Iran that started on February 28.

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17:57

Italy’s Meloni Travels To Saudi Arabia In Show Of Support Amid Iranian Attacks

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has flown to Saudi Arabia for a beforehand unannounced journey that will even embrace conferences with officers from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, a authorities official mentioned on April 3.

Meloni’s two-day go to is geared toward displaying assist for Gulf companions which can be within the Iranian line of fireside and to guard Italy’s personal power provides, the official mentioned.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (file photograph).

Italy is extremely depending on power imports and has been struck by rising power costs.

Reuters reported that earlier than the struggle, about 10 % of Italy’s complete gasoline consumption was lined by Qatari liquefied pure gasoline and that Middle East oil accounted for 12 % of Italy’s complete oil imports final yr.

It wasn’t instantly clear if Meloni would go to Qatar and the UAE or meet with officers whereas in Saudi Arabia.

It is the primary journey by a European Union chief to Saudi Arabia because the United States and Israel launched their air marketing campaign in opposition to Iran on the finish of February.

Tehran has retaliated for the air strikes by launching missile a drone assaults in opposition to Israel and most Gulf Arab states.

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15:42

France Demands Immediate Release Of Iranian Human Rights Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh

Nasrin Sotoudeh

France has demanded that Iran launch outstanding Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was arrested on April 1 at her residence in Tehran.

“France calls for the immediate release of Nasrin Sotoudeh and all those arbitrarily detained in Iran,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman mentioned.

Mehraveh Khandan, the lawyer’s daughter who resides outdoors Iran, mentioned safety forces additionally confiscated Sotoudeh’s private digital gadgets, together with her cell phone and laptop computer.

Reza Khandan, Sotoudeh’s husband, has been in jail since December 2024.

Sotoudeh, who received awards together with the 2012 Sakharov Prize of the European Parliament and the 2020 Right Livelihood award, has been arrested a number of occasions since 2010.

She has campaigned for a wide range of human rights-related points within the repressive state, together with working to stop the execution of individuals convicted of crimes dedicated whereas minors.

Her detention has included durations of solitary confinement, highlighting the challenges confronted by human rights defenders in Iran. Tehran has additional cracked down on dissent throughout its present struggle with the United States and Israel.

“This arrest is yet another illustration of the Iranian regime’s systematic policy of persecuting and intimidating human rights defenders, which must stop,” the French ministry spokesman mentioned.

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13:58

Britain Deploys Its Air Defense System To Kuwait

Britain is deploying its air protection system to Kuwait, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s workplace introduced on April 3, following an in a single day Iranian drone assault on a Kuwaiti oil facility.

Starmer mentioned the deployment of the UKs Rapid Sentry air protection system to the Gulf nation, throughout a name with the crown prince of Kuwait. The dialog occurred simply hours after a drone assault hit the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, one of the vital vital in Kuwait and the broader area.

According to apress launch from Starmer’s workplace,the Rapid Sentry system, which is designed primarily to shoot down drones and different low-flying aerial threats, will shield Kuwaiti and British personnel and pursuits within the area.

The British prime minister condemned the “reckless” in a single day drone assault on the Kuwaiti oil refinery and reiterated that the UK stands with Kuwait and all its allies within the Gulf.

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12:52

WHO Raises Alarm Over Risks To Health Facilities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the battle in Iran and the broader area is impacting the supply of well being companies and the protection of well being staff, sufferers, and civilians at well being amenities.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus mentioned that because the begin of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, “WHO has verified over 20 attacks on health care in Iran, resulting in at least nine deaths.”

In a April 2 X put up, Ghebreyesus highlighted injury to the Pasteur Institute of Iran — a number one Iranian medical analysis heart based in 1920 — saying the power had suffered in depth injury and was now not capable of ship its normal well being companies.

While finest recognized for its public well being analysis, together with work on infectious illnesses, the power has confronted worldwide scrutiny up to now. In 2007, the Japanese authorities listed it as an entity of concern over potential organic and chemical weapons proliferation.

Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, a former coronary heart surgeon, condemned the alleged assault on the Pasteur Institute, urging worldwide well being organizations and physicians worldwide to reply to this “crime against humanity.”

However, a US official denied that American forces struck the Pasteur Institute, and an Israeli army spokesperson mentioned they have been “not aware” of any IDF strike on the power on that day,in response to The Wall Street Journal.

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09:54

US Hit Key Bridge To ‘Eliminate Military Supply Route’

Photos shared on social media confirmed the broken bridge.

A US Central Command (CENTCOM) protection official has instructed RFE/RL’s Radio Farda that US forces struck a key bridge in northern Iran to eradicate a “planned military supply route for sustaining Iran’s ballistic missile and attack drone force.”

The B1 freeway bridge, which hyperlinks Tehran to Karaj within the Alborz Province and has been described in Iranian media as the very best within the Middle East, was hit by two US air strikes on April 2, inflicting vital injury.

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Alem Begic, Hamzah Sheeraz to combat for WBO super-middleweight title

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(Photo credit score: Jon Durr-Imagn Images)

Hamzah Sheeraz will get his likelihood on the WBO tremendous middleweight title towards Alem Begic on May 23 on the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

The matchup might be an undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) vs. Rico Verhoeven (66-10, 21 KOs) WBC heavyweight title combat, the occasion’s promoters, Ring Magazine, introduced Friday.

Britain’s Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) obtained to the world title combat by advantage of beating Edgar Berlanga final July with a Round 5 knockout. His earlier try on the title led to a draw with defending champion Carlos Adames in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February of 2025.

Germany’s Begic will problem for the title for the primary time. The 39-year-old is unbeaten in 30 fights with one draw.

The undercard may even embrace the WBA ‘common’ welterweight title combat between Jack Catterall (32-2, 14 KOs) and Shakhram Giyasov (17-0, 10 Kos), in addition to a faceoff between Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) and American prospect Richard Torrez Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs), who received silver on the Tokyo Olympics.

–Field Level Media

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Judge dismisses Lively intercourse harassment declare in opposition to Baldoni

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A U.S. decide has dismissed sexual harassment claims introduced by actor Blake Lively in opposition to co-star Justin Baldoni that have been on the coronary heart of explosive public row between the 2, a courtroom submitting confirmed.

Manhattan federal decide Lewis Liman additionally dismissed Thursday defamation and conspiracy claims introduced by Lively — however her claims of retaliation and breach of contract in opposition to Baldoni nonetheless stand as their May 18 civil trial approaches.

Lively had filed a criticism in opposition to Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath for allegedly inappropriate habits and feedback through the capturing of the romantic drama “It Ends with Us.”

The criticism mentioned Baldoni — who additionally directed the movie — had spoken inappropriately about his intercourse life and sought to change the movie to incorporate intercourse scenes that weren’t within the script and had not been agreed to.

It additionally mentioned Heath had watched Lively whereas she was topless, regardless of having been requested to show away. It additional mentioned Baldoni waged a PR marketing campaign to wreck Lively’s fame.

Baldoni and the studio Wayfarer countersued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds with claims of extortion and defamation — however decide Liman dismissed these claims final 12 months.

Wayfarer beforehand insisted that neither the studio, its executives, nor its PR group did something to retaliate in opposition to Lively.

Based on a best-selling novel by the U.S. author Colleen Hoover, “It Ends with Us” that made greater than $350 million on the field workplace in 2024, making it one of many greatest hits of the 12 months.

© 2026 AFP

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