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- US authorities arrest grand-niece of slain Iranian commander amid crackdown
- Pepsi pulls sponsorship of Wireless Festival following Kanye West’s booking
- Serbian police find explosives near gas pipeline to Hungary
- U.S. Soldier Rescued in Iran After Downed Fighter Jet, Trump Confirms
- Germany Demands Military Approval for Men Under 45 to Travel Abroad
- Easter 2026 Supermarket Opening Times: Aldi, Tesco and Others | UK News
- Zelenskyy warns US focus shift may threaten Ukraine’s air defence supplies
- US economy shows signs of strengthening amid ongoing inflation concerns
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US authorities arrest grand-niece of slain Iranian commander amid crackdown
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: US authorities arrest grand-niece of slain Iranian commander amid crackdown
Sarinasadat Hosseiny, 25, and her mother, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, were arrested after their US permanent resident status was revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio over ties to the Iranian regime. Both women’s green cards were revoked hours before ICE arrested them in LA on Friday.
Sarinasadat Hosseiny and Hamideh Soleimani Afshar were arrested after their US permanent resident status was revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio due to alleged ties to the Iranian regime. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the arrests are part of a broader crackdown on individuals with connections to Iran, specifically citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organisation since 2019.
Sarinasadat Hosseiny and her mother, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, are currently detained following the revocation of their green cards over alleged ties to the Iranian regime. Their arrests are part of a broader crackdown on individuals with supposed connections to Iran, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.
ICE arrest Iran warlord’s niece living her best life in Los Angeles | News US
Sarinasadat Hosseiny, 25, and her mother, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar were arrested on Friday
The grand-niece of the dead Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani was living a glamorous lifestyle in Los Angeles before being arrested by ICE.
Sarinasadat Hosseiny, 25, and her mother, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar were arrested after their US permanent resident status was revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio over ties to the Iranian regime.
Hosseiny had been living in the US since 2015, when she first entered the country on a student visa, before getting permanent residency during the Biden administration in 2023.
Despite her family’s ties to the Iranian regime, Hosseiny’s social media presence showed a life at odds with it.
The arrests form part of a broader crackdown on people with alleged links to Iran
Posts showed her travelling across the US, visiting Miami, Las Vegas and Alaska, as well as laughing and smiling at music festivals.
Other images showed her aboard private aircraft and yachts and wearing clothes that would be forbidden under Iranian law, including bikinis and miniskirts.
Her mother had called America the ‘Great Satan’ in social media posts as she lived in California, as well as espousing support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terror organisation, according to the State Department.
Both women’s green cards were revoked hours before ICE arrested them in LA on Friday.
Sarinasadat Hosseiny was the grand-niece of the powerful commander
Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani pictured in 2016 (Picture: Getty)
Soleimani commanded Iran’s elite Quds Force, part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and was the country’s most powerful military figure before he was killed in a US drone strike in 2020.
Trump referenced the killing again last week, describing Soleimani as ‘an evil genius’ while claiming Iran would have been in a stronger position in the war had he still been alive.
The arrests form part of a broader crackdown on people with alleged links to Iran.
She was pictured at events, including a Formula 1 race
Soleimani Afshar first entered the US on a tourist visa in 2015 and was granted asylum in 2019, before receiving a green card in 2021, but the DHS said her asylum claim was fraudulent.
The IRGC, which Hosseiny’s mother is alleged to have supported, was named as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2019.
The former commander’s daughter Narjes Soleimani has said the two women ‘have no connection whatsoever’ to her father and accused Washington of fabricating claims.
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Pepsi pulls sponsorship of Wireless Festival following Kanye West’s booking
3:00 pm
Pepsi pulls sponsorship of Wireless Festival following Kanye West’s booking
Pepsi withdraws sponsorship
Pepsi has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Wireless Festival set to feature Kanye West following criticism from Sir Keir Starmer regarding West’s antisemitic remarks.
Government Response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is under pressure to consider a ban on Kanye West’s entry to the UK following rising antisemitism concerns.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is under pressure to consider a ban on Kanye West’s entry to the UK following rising antisemitism concerns.
Home Office status
US News understands that the Home Office has not yet received an application for Kanye West to enter the UK for the Wireless Festival in July.
US News understands that the Home Office has not yet received an application for Kanye West to enter the UK for the Wireless Festival in July.
Briefing summary
Pepsi confirmed the withdrawal of its sponsorship from the Wireless Festival, which Kanye West is scheduled to headline, following criticism from Sir Keir Starmer regarding West’s antisemitic remarks.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep concern over West’s booking for the event, emphasizing the need to confront antisemitism to ensure a safe environment for Jewish people in the UK.
Full reading: Pepsi withdraws sponsorship of Wireless Festival after Kanye West booking | Ents & Arts News
Pepsi has withdrawn its sponsorship of Wireless Festival which Kanye West is due to headline, after Sir Keir Starmer joined criticism of the event.
The US rapper has previously been condemned over his antisemitic remarks.
The 48-year-old musician – who has not performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury in 2015 – is set to top the bill for all three nights of the festival in London’s Finsbury Park in July.
On Sunday, a Pepsi spokesperson said: “Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival.”
US News has approached festival organisers for a response.
In the time since he last performed on UK soil, West has drawn criticism for antisemitic X posts, a Super Bowl advert directing people to a swastika T-shirt and a song referencing Hitler.
Sir Keir said it was “deeply concerning” that West has been booked “despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism”.
“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure,” the prime minister said.
West, also known as Ye, has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions.
In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: “To Those I’ve Hurt.”
“I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” it said. “I love Jewish people.”
Sir Keir Starmer has criticised West. Pic: PA/AP
West attributed his previous outbursts to his bipolar-1 disorder, writing: “In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.
“I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret.”
The rapper also apologised to the black community, saying he had let it down.
West previously lost his deal with Adidas following a post on his social media in 2022, in which he shared an image of a swastika inside a Star of David.
Adidas, which had worked with the rapper on his Yeezy trainers, subsequently donated more than $150m (£117m) to anti-hate groups.
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Shortly afterwards, he drew criticism over a TV advert that directed people to a website selling a swastika t-shirt and released a song titled Heil Hitler.
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, last week called for the government to ban West from entering the UK.
He said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood should “ban him from coming to this country – we’ve got to take antisemitism more seriously”.
US News understands the Home Office is yet to receive an application for West to enter the UK.
Serbian police find explosives near gas pipeline to Hungary
2:00 pm
Serbian police find explosives near gas pipeline to Hungary
Explosive Discovery
Serbian authorities found two large packages of explosives with detonators near the Balkan Stream pipeline in Kanjiza, a few hundred metres from the gas route to Serbia and Hungary.
Serbian authorities found two large packages of explosives with detonators near the Balkan Stream pipeline in Kanjiza, a few hundred metres from the gas route to Serbia and Hungary.
Infrastructure Threat
Explosives found near the Balkan Stream pipeline, critical for gas supply to Serbia and Hungary, underscore a severe threat to energy security in the region.
Explosives found near the Balkan Stream pipeline, critical for gas supply to Serbia and Hungary, underscore a severe threat to energy security in the region.
Official Response
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that “two large packages of explosives with detonators” were found near the gas pipeline, within “a few hundred metres.”
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that “two large packages of explosives with detonators” were found near the gas pipeline, within “a few hundred metres.”
Key developments
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that explosives were discovered near the Balkan Stream pipeline, which transports gas to Serbia and Hungary. The explosives were found in backpacks a few hundred metres from the pipeline.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated he had spoken with Vučić and convened an extraordinary defence council to address the situation. No suspects or motives have been disclosed regarding the placement of the explosives.
Serbian president: Explosives found near gas pipeline to Hungary
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Sunday morning that army and police found explosives that had been placed near a pipeline that carries gas to Serbia and Hungary.
He said that “two large packages of explosives with detonators” were found inside backpacks in northern Serbia’s Kanjiza, “a few hundred metres from the gas pipeline”.
The Balkan Stream pipeline is an extension of the TurkStream pipeline, and transfers Russian gas to both Serbia and Hungary.
Orbán confirmed the two leaders had spoken, and said he had called an “extraordinary defence council” in Hungary for Sunday afternoon.
No details provided on potential motives
There were no details provided on who may have placed the explosives near the gas pipeline, and why. Instead, Vučić said there were “certain traces” which he was unwilling to elaborate on.
The latest news comes at a time when the integrity of gas pipeline infrastructure has been in the headlines. The Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, a separate pipeline that carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has been the cause of a dispute between Hungary and Ukraine.
It was damaged in a Russian strike in late January and has yet to be repaired, but both Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of using the issue for political gain.
Orbán’s government has repeatedly alleged that Ukraine is trying to trigger an energy crisis ahead of Hungary’s 12 April general election in an effort to undermine his administration.
Unlike Hungary, Serbia is not an EU member state, and is a candidate for joining the bloc. Belgrade is heavily dependent on Russian gas. It imports around six million cubic metres per day at roughly half the market price.
U.S. Soldier Rescued in Iran After Downed Fighter Jet, Trump Confirms
1:01 pm
Media Lens: U.S. Soldier Rescued in Iran After Downed Fighter Jet, Trump Confirms
Trump says U.S. crew member rescued in Iran.
Missing U.S. crew member from a downed fighter jet has been rescued in Iran, according to President Trump. The operation involved the destruction of two planes during the rescue process, as reported in US and global politics coverage in the latest US news.
What happened
A missing U.S. crew member from a downed fighter jet has been rescued in Iran, according to Donald Trump. This incident has significant implications for U.S.-Iran relations.
Additionally, two planes were destroyed by the U.S. during the rescue operation. These developments highlight the escalating tensions between the two nations.
Key facts
- A missing U.S. crew member from a downed fighter jet has been rescued in Iran, according to Trump.
- Two planes were destroyed by the U.S. during the rescue operation.
- The mission involved recovering a downed American airman.
- The incident has left both Iran and the U.S. feeling emboldened.
Where coverage differs
- CBS News emphasizes the operational details of the rescue mission, while WSJ emphasizes the implications and broader context of military actions.
- CNN foregrounds the human aspect of the rescue, focusing on the airman’s experience, rather than the political consequences, which The New York Times highlights.
- CBS News prioritizes immediate developments and statements from involved parties, while WSJ prioritizes analysis of strategic outcomes.
One story, four angles
CBS News – Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, Trump says
Publication: CBS News | Primary framing pattern: consequence | Tone: factual | Intensity: 5/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: CBS emphasizes the rescue of a missing U.S. airman, highlighting the involvement of Trump in confirming the operation. The piece foregrounds the immediate outcomes of the rescue rather than the broader implications of military actions.
Publication emphasis: The article focuses on the factual aspects of the airman’s rescue and the role of U.S. officials.
Framing analysis: The main focus is on the successful operation and its immediate consequences, while broader geopolitical implications or ethical concerns are secondary.
Bias: Selection: Limited context, Language: neutral tone, Omission: broader implications of military operations.
Assessment: The article conveys direct information but lacks depth regarding the incident’s significance.
WSJ – Two Planes Destroyed by U.S. During Rescue Operation
Publication: WSJ | Primary framing pattern: policy | Tone: analytical | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: cautionary | Legal precision: high
Expand
Espresso Shot: WSJ discusses the implications of the U.S. military’s actions, specifically highlighting the destruction of two planes during the rescue operation. It emphasizes both operational details and the strategic context.
Publication emphasis: The piece critically examines the repercussions of military operations on both U.S. policy and regional stability.
Framing analysis: The article foregrounds the policy implications of military actions, while the operational success is referenced more subtly.
Bias: Selection: In-depth analysis, Language: critical tone, Omission: less focus on personal narratives of those involved.
Assessment: This article provides a thorough perspective on the broader implications of the rescue mission through a policy lens.
CNN – Inside the mission to recover a downed American airman
Publication: CNN | Primary framing pattern: narrative | Tone: dramatic | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: engaging | Legal precision: moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: CNN deeply explores the tactical and human elements of the rescue mission, weaving an engaging narrative around the recovery of the downed airman, emphasizing the human stories behind military operations.
Publication emphasis: The report emphasizes personal accounts and operational details to create a captivating story about the mission.
Framing analysis: The main focus is on personal experiences and dramatic elements of the mission, with strategic implications presented in a supporting role.
Bias: Selection: Personal stories highlighted, Language: emotive tone, Omission: less focus on the political or policy ramifications.
Assessment: The article effectively captures the human dimension of military operations while providing a detailed account of the mission.
The New York Times – Iran Downing of Plane and Daring U.S. Rescue Leave Both Sides Emboldened
Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: critical | Intensity: 8/10 | Sentiment: contentious | Legal precision: high
Expand
Espresso Shot: The New York Times critically examines the broader implications of the downing and subsequent rescue mission, arguing that the events embolden both Iran and the U.S. in their respective geopolitical postures.
Publication emphasis: The piece focuses on the geopolitical tensions and the potential escalation of conflict resulting from these events.
Framing analysis: The primary focus is on the political ramifications of the incident, whilst operational details serve as supplementary context.
Bias: Selection: In-depth exploration of political dynamics, Language: critical and analytical, Omission: personal stories or emotional responses are less emphasized.
Assessment: The article delivers a strong analysis of the political landscape surrounding the incident, highlighting the potential for intensified conflict.
Food for thought
CBS News frames the legal context surrounding the downed fighter jet incident with a focus on the U.S. military’s operational protocols, underlining the legality of the rescue mission to prioritize the safety of American personnel. In contrast, The New York Times adopts a more escalatory tone, emphasizing the emboldened stances of both the U.S. and Iran following the confrontation, hinting at a potential shadow conflict. This analysis highlights CBS News’ strength in legal framing through procedural clarity, whereas The New York Times escalates the situation’s implications, suggesting broader geopolitical ramifications. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Germany Demands Military Approval for Men Under 45 to Travel Abroad
11:01 am
Germany Demands Military Approval for Men Under 45 to Travel Abroad
Amid escalating tensions, the German government has announced that males under 45 may be required to obtain military approval for prolonged stays abroad. This policy shift, seen as a move to bolster national security amid heightened geopolitical risks, is expected to impact hundreds of thousands of citizens. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius indicated that this measure reflects Germany’s renewed focus on military readiness and response capability in light of ongoing global conflicts, particularly in Eastern Europe. For further details, visit our global news coverage.
Economically, businesses are bracing for potential disruptions, as this regulation could hinder employee mobility and international relations. Analysts warn that these developments may affect Germany’s standing in global markets, which are already feeling pressures from energy supply issues. As the government prepares to formalise this policy, attention turns to an upcoming parliamentary vote that will determine its final implementation.
Key developments across the world
Top CEO killed and son, 11, injured in horror crash on dream family holiday as tributes paid to ‘brilliant’ mother
GLOBAL SECURITY — A US CEO was killed and her son critically injured in a car accident during a family vacation in Nicaragua. Kasey Grelle, the CEO of AUX Insights, was celebrating a birthday when the crash occurred, prompting an outpouring of tributes and raising over $300,000 via GoFundMe for the family.
German males under 45 may need military approval for long stays abroad
WORLD POLITICS — New legislation in Germany could soon require men under 45 to obtain military permission for extended travel. This proposed measure is aimed at ensuring military readiness in the event of potential conflicts.
Man charged over fatal shooting of baby in pram in New York
GLOBAL SECURITY — A man has been charged with the murder of a seven-month-old baby killed by a stray bullet in New York City. This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and its impact on community safety.
German conscription law: men need permit for stays abroad
DIPLOMACY — Germany is introducing a new conscription law requiring men to seek military approval for any travel exceeding three months. This change aims to enhance the nation’s military capabilities amid international tensions.
Second suspect arrested in Brooklyn stray-bullet killing of seven-month-old baby
GLOBAL SECURITY — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a seven-month-old baby in Brooklyn. This development underscores the complexities of addressing urban gun violence and public safety.
What to watch — The implications of Germany’s new conscription law on citizens and military readiness will be crucial to monitor.
Further reading from global news sources
BBC News
Man charged over fatal shooting of baby in pram in New York
The Guardian
Second suspect arrested in Brooklyn stray-bullet killing of seven-month-old baby
The Times
‘I was a US pilot shot down in war. I heard the enemy hunting me’
New York Times
Ex-US Army Pilot Recalls Battle for Survival When Shot Down in Iraq
Al Jazeera
Twitter suspends accounts hurting EU sanctions against Russia
Easter 2026 Supermarket Opening Times: Aldi, Tesco and Others | UK News
10:00 am
Get you up to speed: Easter 2026 Supermarket Opening Times: Aldi, Tesco and Others | UK News
EASTER OPENINGS
Most major supermarkets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will close on Easter Sunday, while operating with reduced hours on Easter Monday.
Most major supermarkets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will close on Easter Sunday, while operating with reduced hours on Easter Monday.
EASTER SUPERMARKET HOURS
Asda has confirmed its large stores will close on Easter Sunday but will operate normally on Easter Monday, with Express shops open 24 hours.
Asda has confirmed its large stores will close on Easter Sunday but will operate normally on Easter Monday, with Express shops open 24 hours.
The majority of supermarkets, including Aldi, Morrisons, and Tesco, will be closed on Easter Sunday, while Co-op stores will operate normally throughout the Easter period.
What we know so far
Supermarkets have announced their opening times for Easter 2026, with Good Friday on April 3, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6. Most large stores will be closed on Easter Sunday across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland due to legal requirements, while shops in Scotland will operate as usual.
Major chains such as Tesco and Morrisons confirmed their large stores will shut on Easter Sunday. Lidl will also close in England and Wales but remain open in Scotland. Smaller outlets within these chains may operate on different schedules.
On Easter Monday, many supermarkets like Tesco and Aldi are expected to operate at reduced hours. Customers are advised to check local store timings to ensure availability of last-minute Easter essentials.
The Co-op has stated that most of its shops will remain open throughout the Easter period, while Asda’s large stores will close on Easter Sunday but operate normally on Easter Monday. For exact timings, shoppers can use the respective store locators of each supermarket.
Read in full
Supermarket opening hours for Easter 2026, including Aldi, Tesco and more | News UK
Worried you’ll need some last-minute chocolate or gifts for Easter?
Then you might be in luck – supermarkets have revealed their holiday opening times for Easter 2026, with Good Friday falling on April 3, EasterSunday on April 5 and Easter Monday on April 6.
To save you time looking at every website individually, WTX has compiled all the key information on which stores will be open for you below.
Branches will have different opening hours on the day, so check your local store’s specific timings to avoid disappointment and empty bags.
Will supermarkets will be closed over Easter?
The majority of all supermarkets will operate as normal, albeit with shorter opening times on Easter Monday, but all large supermarkets will be closed on Easter Sunday across England, Wales and Northern Ireland as required by law. Shops in Scotland will remain open on Easter Sunday as normal.
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All supermarket opening times for Easter 2026
Lidl
Lidl has branches will be closed on Easter Sunday in England and Wales but will remain open in Scotland.
Its branches outside of London (with the M25 as the limit) and in Wales will be open 8am to 8pm on Easter Monday, while stores within London and across Scotland will be open as normal.
Marks & Spencer
M&S opening times vary store by store, with hundreds, mostly larger shops, shutting on Easter Sunday, while other smaller stores operate as normal or at slightly reduced times.
You can check your local M&S store’s opening times using the chain’s store listing.
Tesco
Tesco’s large stores, the non-Express branches, will close earlier than usual on Easter Monday, and all large shops will be closed on Easter Sunday.
The chain’s smaller Express stores will remain open as normal over the Easter period.
You can check the opening times for your local stores using their store locator.
Aldi
Aldi will be closed on Easter Sunday, and the supermarket chain may operate at reduced hours onEaster Monday.
You can check the opening and closing times for individual Aldi stores with the chain’s store finder.
Morrisons
Morrisons has confirmed that its large stores will close earlier on Easter Monday, and will be completely closed on Easter Sunday. You can expect normal opening times for Morrisons shops on Saturday.
The supermarket’s Daily shops will remain open as normal.
Check exact times for your nearest Morrisons using the chain’s Store Finder.
Sainsbury’s
The opening times for Sainsbury’s stores over the Easter period will vary. The Local smaller shops will generally be open as normal, with a few exceptions that will be closed on Easter Sunday.
The chain’s larger shops will be closed on Easter Sunday and may close early on Easter Monday.
Please use the store locator to find your local branch’s exact times.
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Co-op
The Co-op supermarket chain has confirmed that the majority of its shops will remain open as normal throughout the Easter period, with some operating 24 hours and others closing at weekends as normal.
Use their store finder to find exact times for your local branch.
Asda has confirmed that its large stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but will operate as normal on Easter Monday.
The supermarket chain’s Express Petrol stores will remain open 24 hours while its ordinary Express shops will follow ordinary opening times.
Use the store finder to see exact times for your local branch, as they vary across the UK.
Waitrose
The majority of Waitrose’s large stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but smaller shops may remain open with shorter opening times. The chain’s shops will remain open on Easter Monday.
With opening times varying store to store, we suggest you check your local branch to find out how yours is affected.
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