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Thousands of Muqtada al‑Sadr’s followers took to the streets of Baghdad and several other Iraqi cities on Saturday, staging one of the largest anti‑war rallies in recent memory. Demonstrators brandished Iraqi flags while chanting slogans such as “No, no to Israel” and “No, no to America,” signaling broad opposition to the escalating conflict. Iraq, already caught in a web of regional hostilities, has endured attacks aimed at both U.S. interests and pro‑Iranian groups within its borders. The protests underscore the country’s growing frustration at being drawn into a war it did not initiate. In the heart of Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, crowds—including women—filled the avenues, their voices amplified by a palpable sense of urgency. “What America and Israel are doing is not a conventional military operation but a senseless war,” declared Dhirgham Samir, a 40‑year‑old participant, speaking to AFP. Samir added that the demonstration represented a broader rejection of “aggression, arrogance and injustice” worldwide, emphasizing that civilians are the primary victims of this conflict. Since the war began, thousands of casualties have been reported across the region, a grim statistic that fuels public anger. Al‑Sadr himself called for peaceful rallies aimed at condemning what he described as “Zionist‑American aggression” and urging a return to regional stability. His appeal resonated with many, reflecting his deep-rooted influence among Iraq’s Shia majority. Protesters gathered beneath Baghdad’s Freedom Monument, a symbol of the nation’s independence, to denounce perceived foreign meddling. Muslim leader Ali al‑Fartousi told AFP, “Humanity must speak out against these forces; the world must unite against Zionist‑American arrogance.” Al‑Sadr commands a loyal base numbering in the millions and has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to mobilise large crowds. Though he has opposed various Iraqi governments over the years, his network extends into ministries and state institutions, amplifying the political weight of today’s demonstrations.

An estimated 15 people were injured when a vehicle struck attendees of the Lao New Year parade in New Iberia, Iberia Parish, Louisiana.The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, via spokesperson Rebecca Melancon, indicated that the preliminary investigation suggests the incident was not intentional.According to Acadian Ambulance, 11 victims were transported to hospitals by ground ambulance and two were airlifted for urgent care. The response mobilized ten ambulances and two medical helicopters to the scene.The crash occurred in New Iberia, a city of over 28,000 residents, located roughly 34 km (21 mi) south of Lafayette and 214 km (130 mi) west of New Orleans.The Lao New Year Festival parade, an annual Easter‑weekend event featuring live music, food vendors, and a beauty pageant, saw its musical program cancelled while vendors were allowed to remain open until 9 p.m. local time.Festival organizers expressed deep sorrow, stating, "We are praying for the victims and their families," and indicated that, if security resources are restored, religious services would resume on Sunday.The Lao New Year celebration, rooted in Buddhist tradition and marking the transition from the dry season to the monsoon, reflects the presence of a vibrant Lao community in Louisiana, particularly in New Iberia’s Lanexang Village, which houses hundreds of Lao residents.Many members of this community trace their origins to the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the 1975 Pathet Lao takeover, which prompted large‑scale migration to the United States.

The Giuffre family has publicly asked King Charles III to sit down with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex‑trafficking network during his upcoming state visit to Washington, scheduled for April 27‑30.The appeal arrives just before the anniversary of Virginia Giuffre’s death in April 2025, which was ruled a suicide.Giuffre, who first went public in 2010, alleged that she was groomed and trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and that she was forced to have sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, the king’s brother.Sky Roberts and his wife Amanda, Giuffre’s brother and sister‑in‑law, told Reuters that they "strongly urge King Charles to meet with us and survivors and hear what we have to say," hoping the testimony could spur further British action against Epstein’s alleged co‑conspirators.The request comes as Charles’s Washington trip follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of the final tranche of more than 3.5 million Epstein‑related documents, mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by former President Donald Trump.The massive disclosure has already triggered a wave of high‑profile resignations, arrests and ongoing investigations, including charges against former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew.Prince Andrew, now styled Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor after being stripped of his military roles, patronages and royal titles, denied the allegations, settled a civil case with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing, and continues to contest criminal charges.Buckingham Palace has expressed “thoughts and utmost sympathies” for victims but did not comment on the Giuffre family’s request. The family thanked the king for his “decisive action” in removing his brother’s princely status.

When Kayleigh Davies, a seasoned valuer at the auction platform Auctionet, examined the base of a vase marketed as a genuine Lalique piece, she immediately recognised the deception. The word “Lalique” had been crudely engraved onto the bottom, a trick the seller hoped would inflate the price.Davies rejected the item, noting that without the fraudulent engraving it would have been a saleable piece. Her experience underscores a growing problem: traditional antique scams are being amplified by the reach of internet marketplaces.Typical red flagsFraudsters often disguise flaws—such as restored cracks or repainted toy cars—while claiming pristine condition. Even high‑value items like original‑packaged Star Wars figures can be misrepresented by placing cheap replicas in authentic‑looking boxes.Other warning signs include unexplained scuffs on glassware, suspiciously perfect finishes on aged objects, and a lack of clear provenance for autographs. Davies advises buyers to ask probing questions; a dishonest seller is likely to become evasive or refuse further details.Electrical collectibles, such as vintage lamps, pose additional hazards, as faulty wiring can lead to fire risks.Consumer safeguardsPlatforms like eBay enforce strict policies against counterfeit goods and offer a “money‑back guarantee” that protects purchasers when items do not match their listings.In the UK, Citizens Advice confirms that buyers have a legal right to a refund for fake products. If a seller refuses, shoppers can:Initiate a chargeback through their bank if they paid by debit card or used a credit card for purchases under £100.File a Section 75 claim for credit‑card purchases over £100, shifting liability to the card issuer.Suspected fraud can also be reported to the national Report Fraud centre, and to local Trading Standards via Citizens Advice.By staying vigilant, demanding documentation, and leveraging consumer‑rights mechanisms, buyers can reduce the risk of falling victim to counterfeit antiques and collectibles.

The UK government's new employment rights watchdog, the Fair Work Agency (FWA), is set to launch on Tuesday, but its priorities have already faced criticism from worker advocates. The agency, a cornerstone of Labour's Employment Rights Act, will bring together several existing labour enforcement bodies and focus on policing the minimum wage, holiday pay, and modern slavery. However, the government's priorities for the FWA's first year have been criticized for focusing on reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, rather than taking a more robust approach to protecting workers' rights. The priorities, listed by Matthew Taylor, the incoming chair of the FWA, include 'thought leadership' and 'reducing regulatory burdens'. Worker advocates argue that this approach risks turning the agency into 'a dead duck' before it even begins. Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, which represents over 1 million workers, said that the priorities showed the agency was 'in danger of being a dead duck before it even begins'. She added that the government needs to urgently ensure that the FWA focuses on bringing rogue bosses to heel, rather than seeking ways to allow dodgy companies to continue bad behaviour. The UK has among the fewest labour inspectors per worker within Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with different estimates putting the scale of unpaid wages in the billions of pounds. This means employers face 'no credible threat of inspection, investigation or enforcement', according to Prof David Whyte of Queen Mary University. A report to be published on Monday by the Institute of Employment Rights will recommend adequate funding, unannounced inspections, and prosecutions for wrongdoing. The government has yet to announce the budget it will allocate to the FWA. A government spokesperson said: 'The new Fair Work Agency will end the current fragmented system of enforcing employment rights, making it easier for workers and victims of exploitation to get the rights they're entitled to. The agency will take tough action against businesses that deliberately flout the law while supporting employers who want to do the right thing and strengthen workers' rights.'

Lawyers estimate that as many as 75 women could have a claim in the $72.5 million settlement reached with Bank of America over alleged involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex‑trafficking network. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff has instructed counsel to assemble a broad list of publications by the upcoming Friday to ensure every potential victim receives notice, emphasizing that "nobody is left out." A final approval hearing is scheduled for August 27. The settlement was first disclosed in court filings on March 27 after a proposed class‑action lawsuit was permitted to move forward. In October, a plaintiff using the pseudonym Jane Doe filed the suit on behalf of herself and other alleged victims, accusing the bank of overlooking suspicious transactions tied to Epstein’s operations. According to the complaint, Bank of America allegedly benefited knowingly from its relationship with Epstein and impeded enforcement of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a federal statute aimed at combating sex trafficking. Bank of America reiterated its stance that it did not facilitate Epstein’s crimes, stating that the resolution allows the institution to move past the matter and provides "further closure for the plaintiffs." Judge Rakoff gave preliminary approval, noting that while no monetary figure can fully compensate for the magnitude of Epstein’s offenses, victims are entitled to restitution from any party that "knowingly, recklessly or otherwise unlawfully facilitated" the trafficking. This agreement follows similar settlements in 2023: JPMorgan Chase paid $290 million and Deutsche Bank settled for $75 million with Epstein victims. Rakoff previously dismissed a suit against Bank of New York Mellon; the plaintiffs are now appealing that decision. He stressed that liability should be limited to entities that knowingly assisted or profited, not to every organization that merely intersected with Epstein’s network. Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier who died by suicide in a New York City jail in 2019, was accused of preying on girls and young women for decades and maintained ties to high‑profile figures across politics, arts, and business. One of Doe’s attorneys, David Boies, believes that 60 to 75 women may qualify for the settlement, and cautions that additional claimants could emerge as the search continues.

Cambodia has taken a significant step in its fight against cybercrime by approving a new law targeting scam centers accused of defrauding foreigners of billions of dollars. The law, which aims to enhance the country's 'cleaning operation' against these illicit operations, imposes punishments of two to five years in prison and fines of up to $125,000 for those convicted of online scams.The legislation, which will now go to Cambodia's king for a final signature, also outlines penalties for money laundering, gathering victims' data, or recruiting scammers. Ringleaders of scam centers that engage in human trafficking, detentions, and torture will face prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines of up to $500,000.The passage of the law comes amid widespread condemnation from rights groups and sanctions by governments around the world, with Cambodia accused of being a hotbed of cyberscams. The US Department of State has previously stated that 'official complicity, including at senior levels, inhibited effective law enforcement action against trafficking crimes' in Cambodia, which has denied these allegations.The new law is seen as a significant effort by Cambodia to combat the rise of online fraud, romance, and cryptocurrency scams. Several countries have enacted anti-cyberscam laws to address this issue, with con artists in Singapore facing 24 strokes of the cane in serious cases.Justice Minister Keut Rith emphasized that the law is 'strict like the fishing net' and aims to ensure that online scams do not return to Cambodia. The law is expected to send a strong message to cyberscammers that Cambodia is not a place to conduct scams, and it will serve the interests of the Cambodian nation and people.

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Pam Bondi is being removed as Attorney General, ending a contentious 14‑month stint at the Justice Department. Bondi, who described her upcoming shift to the private sector as a "transition," will leave the post within the next month. In a rapid reshuffle, Trump elevated Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche—who previously served as the former president’s criminal‑defense lawyer—to acting attorney general. The president also hinted that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin could become the permanent replacement, signaling a continued preference for close allies in key legal roles. Bondi’s ouster follows a series of high‑profile controversies. Most notably, her management of the Jeffrey Epstein files drew intense scrutiny. After promising full transparency, the Justice Department released heavily redacted documents that failed to satisfy public and congressional demands for a "client list" and other evidence. Critics, including victims’ attorney Gloria Allred, called her departure "long overdue" for mishandling the files. Beyond the Epstein saga, Bondi struggled to deliver the political prosecutions Trump expected. Efforts to pursue former FBI Director James Comey and other officials linked to investigations of the president stalled or collapsed, fueling Trump’s frustration that she was not "weaponising" the department aggressively enough against his perceived enemies. Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and the state’s first female AG, built a reputation on tough‑on‑crime initiatives such as combating human trafficking and cracking down on "pill mills." However, her limited involvement in the original Epstein non‑prosecution deal and her heated exchange with a Democratic lawmaker—where she called him a "washed‑up loser"—further eroded confidence in her leadership. The White House confirmed that Bondi’s private‑sector role will be announced "in the near future," while Blanche issued a statement on X thanking Trump for the trust placed in him and pledging to "continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and keeping America safe." Congressional oversight intensifies as the House Oversight Committee had scheduled Bondi to appear before it on April 14 to answer questions about the Epstein documents. With her exit, committee chair James Comer said Republicans would deliberate whether to pursue the subpoena, while Democrats, led by Robert Garcia, insist she "will not escape accountability." Reactions span the political spectrum: Democrats such as Senator Elizabeth Warren denounced the DOJ under Bondi as a "cesspool of corruption," whereas Republican Senator Chuck Grassley praised her responsiveness to oversight and noted a decline in violent crime during her tenure. Republican Thomas Massie urged the next AG to release all Epstein files and pursue arrests. As the administration searches for a permanent attorney general, the choice between Blanche and Zeldin will signal how closely Trump intends to align the Justice Department with his political agenda moving forward.

‘Your Friends & Neighbours’ returns for a second season that doubles down on its deliciously dark satire of the ultra‑rich enclave of Westport, New York – a thinly veiled stand‑in for Westchester’s high‑finance playground. The series remains a “rich dessert” of a show: indulgent, a little unhealthy, but undeniably moreish.Jon Hamm reprises Andrew “Coop” Cooper, a former Manhattan hedge‑fund star who now survives by burgling the opulent homes of his equally extravagant neighbours. Coop’s charisma is built on a blend of oak‑like steadiness and a perpetual tumbler of $500 whisky, allowing him to charm both victims and collaborators. Unlike Don Draper’s secret shame, Coop’s anxiety is a quieter, more comedic driver that fuels the season’s caper.Season two opens with Coop, now approaching fifty, injuring his back while rifling a mansion’s study. The mishap forces him to rely on his longtime lookout Elena (Aimee Carrero) and brings a new, reluctant ally into the fold. Meanwhile, the arrival of the flamboyant billionaire Owen (James Marsden) rattles the delicate Westport ecosystem, adding fresh tension to the criminal enterprise.The narrative also shifts focus to the personal toll of wealth. Coop’s ex‑wife Mel (Amanda Peet) navigates perimenopause and the looming emptiness of her children leaving for college, while their daughter Tori (Isabel Gravitt) deliberately flunks a Princeton interview, railing against the university as a “engine of rigged, corrosive capitalism.” This scene underscores the show’s satirical edge, reminding viewers that the glittering excess is built on fragile foundations.Despite its glossy façade, the series offers unexpected emotional depth. Hamm and Peet convey a wistful sadness that resonates beyond the bank‑balance zeros, suggesting that middle‑aged ex‑lovers remain bound by past mistakes. The season balances heist thrills with moments of genuine heart, positioning the show as a guilty‑pleasure dramedy that “gets away with it.”Your Friends & Neighbours is currently streaming on Apple TV+.