Delivers

• Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a bombshell speech from the Kremlin warning against Western military intervention in Iran, marking a significant strategic pivot and directly challenging Trump administration foreign policy. • The address has dramatically escalated geopolitical tensions and prompted immediate reactions from global capitals assessing implications for international security and the balance of power in the Middle East. • Putin's declaration signals Russia's strategic commitment to the region amid the ongoing US-Iran crisis and fragile ceasefire negotiations.

• A Fred Hutch Cancer Center graduate student presented over 25,000 measurements of influenza-fighting antibodies to WHO scientists via videoconference last fall. • The dataset, published in Virus Evolution, offers near real-time tracking of human immune responses to current flu strains, improving seasonal vaccine composition. • This method addresses gaps in traditional surveillance, potentially enhancing vaccine effectiveness against evolving viruses.

• US military C-130s airlifted 500 tons of food and medicine to Port-au-Prince on April 8, 2026, as gangs control 80% of the capital. • Over 4,000 killed this year; UN reports 1.5 million face starvation, prompting Biden admin's $100 million pledge. • Aid crucial for US backyard stability, preventing mass migration waves like 2021's 20,000 border encounters.

East coast slammed on Thursday night with wind and rain, with more warnings in place for FridayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThousands of Australians woke without power on Friday after a series of wild autumn storms soaked communities in multiple states – and the high country recorded its first big snowfall of 2026.While many storm watchers kept their eyes on the west and the path of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, Australia’s east coast was slammed on Thursday night, with more warnings in place for Friday. Continue reading...

• The latest patch for Borderlands 4 significantly boosts PC performance with native frame rates increasing by 43 percent. • The optimization patch addresses performance issues that players had reported since the game's launch. • VideoCardz reports the improvements represent one of the most substantial performance gains from a monthly update this year.

Decision to hold interest rates is backed by gloomy assessment of economy as Iran war pushes up oil pricesBank of England holds interest rates at 3.75%Business live – latest updatesThe US-Israel attack on Iran has already driven prices higher and not just at the petrol pumps, the Bank of England said on Thursday in a gloomy assessment of the UK’s economic outlook.An inflation rate that was on track to fall from 3% to the Bank’s 2% target in the coming months is now expected to rise to 3.5%. That is one probable impact of the US and Israel’s war on Iran. Continue reading...

• Jessie Buckley was among the major winners at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, delivering an emotional acceptance speech that resonated with the audience at the Dolby Theatre. • The actress' win marked a significant moment in her career, with her performance earning recognition on Hollywood's biggest night alongside other nominated talents. • Buckley's speech captured the atmosphere of celebration and gratitude characteristic of the evening's biggest winners at the 2026 Academy Awards.

• The film "KPop Demon Hunters" walked away from the 98th Academy Awards with multiple wins during the ceremony held on March 15, 2026. • The movie's song "Golden" was performed during the Oscars broadcast, bringing audience members to their feet with a standout musical performance. • The film's success at the Academy Awards reflects strong recognition from the industry for the project's artistic achievements across multiple award categories.

• Billy Crystal honored late director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner during the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, quoting 'The Princess Bride' with 'Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.' • Crystal praised the Reiners for their landmark role in U.S. marriage equality, drawing roaring applause from the audience. • Collaborators including Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, Kathy Bates, Kiefer Sutherland, and Mandy Patinkin joined Crystal onstage.

• Billy Crystal honored late director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner with a moving tribute at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, quoting 'The Princess Bride' with 'what fun we had storming the castle'. • Crystal praised the Reiners for their role in the landmark U.S. marriage equality decision, joined on stage by Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, Kathy Bates, Kiefer Sutherland, and Mandy Patinkin. • The tribute preceded the In Memoriam segment featuring Robert Redford, Val Kilmer, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, a Barbra Streisand performance, and Rachel McAdams speech.