Updated: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 15:25:04 UTC | Window: 3h
# Iranian Government Imposes Internet Blackout During War with US and Israel The Iranian government has cut off its citizens from the global internet since the outbreak of war, severely restricting access to information. This digital isolation has forced Iranians to rely on relatives abroad for news, highlighting the critical role of internet access during conflicts. The blackout coincides with escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, as well as US military involvement. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claims the war with Iran will conclude within weeks, predicting stabilization in energy markets post-conflict. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in civilian casualties, including eight deaths in a central Gaza police vehicle strike.
# Biological Mechanism Behind Long-Term COVID-19 Taste Loss Identified Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala University, and the University of Wisconsin have identified a biological cause for long-term loss of taste in COVID-19 patients. The study, prompted by a TV segment about a chef who left the industry due to this symptom, analyzed biopsies from around 20 individuals. Findings suggest that taste bud cells have impaired signal transmission, likely due to persistent viral remnants or immune responses disrupting tissue regeneration.
# Nalin Baksi Accuses Swedish Left and Right of Enabling Islamism Social Democrat and Muslim Nalin Baksi asserts that both political wings in Sweden have contributed to the rise of Islamism. She argues that the left granted political legitimacy to Islamist groups under anti-racism initiatives, while the right enabled them financially through policies that facilitated funding and institutional access. This dual contribution, according to Baksi, has allowed Islamism to spread ideologically within Swedish society.
# Marianne Vikkula Appointed CEO of Wolt, Plans Expansion Beyond Food Delivery Marianne Vikkula, Finland's highest-paid woman and a veteran of the tech event Slush, has been named CEO of Wolt, now owned by DoorDash. She intends to transform the app into a 'shopping mall in your pocket,' expanding beyond food delivery into on-demand retail. Sweden will serve as a test market, and Vikkula predicts that restaurants will soon represent a minority of offerings on the platform.
# Tommy Thompson Released After 10 Years for Contempt Over Hidden Gold Tommy Thompson, the American treasure hunter who discovered the 'Ship of Gold' shipwreck off South Carolina in 1998, has been released from federal prison after serving 10 years for contempt of court. He refused to disclose the location of 500 gold coins recovered from the wreck. Despite his release on March 4, authorities still do not know the whereabouts of the treasure, reigniting debates over salvage rights and legal accountability in treasure-hunting cases.
# Sanjay Singh's Royal Bengal Logistics Exposed as Investment Fraud Sanjay Singh, founder of Royal Bengal Logistics in Coral Springs, Florida, created a fictitious logistics company in 2018, claiming 250 employees, 200+ trucks, and $1M in monthly revenue. He hosted investor banquets, presented staged awards, and offered structured investment programs with promised returns. Investigations revealed no real operations or fleet, exposing the company as a sophisticated fraud designed to swindle investors.
# Oscars Favors 'One Battle After Another' for Best Picture Film experts widely predict that 'One Battle After Another' will win Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars. Sean Penn, portraying Colonel Lockjaw, is the favorite for Best Supporting Actor, surpassing Stellan Skarsgård. Although 'Sinners' holds a record 16 nominations, its chances for Best Picture are considered slim. Irish actress Jessie Buckley is also favored to win in her respective category.
# Canada Reconsiders F-35 Fighter Jet Purchase Amid US Tensions Canada's planned acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets is under review by Prime Minister Mark Carney due to deteriorating relations during the Trump administration. The reassessment increases the likelihood of selecting Sweden's Gripen jets instead. While no decision was announced during a recent Nordic leaders' summit, Carney acknowledged the shift as 'well-motivated,' reflecting Canada's historical preference for European defense equipment.
# Queensland Police Accused of Racial Discrimination in Punjabi Driver Case Queensland police investigated Punjabi rideshare driver Mr. Singh for a year on indecent act charges that were ultimately dropped. During the probe, one officer was recorded using racist language, referring to Indians as 'a bunch of fucking perverts.' The case has sparked serious concerns about racial bias and accountability within law enforcement, particularly when hate speech by officers goes unaddressed.
# Terror Plot in France: Two Brothers Arrested Over Antisemitic Attack Plans Two brothers have been arrested in France for allegedly planning deadly antisemitic attacks. The investigation has raised concerns about the rise of domestic extremism linked to Middle East geopolitical tensions. French authorities are assessing the broader threat network and the extent of radicalization behind the plot.
# Sweden Faces Economic Risks from High Energy Prices and Geopolitical Instability With ongoing Middle East conflict and global uncertainty, Nordea Chief Economist Annika Winsth warns that Sweden, as a small open economy, faces significant risks from persistently high energy prices. She stresses the need for strong public finances, humility, and preparedness amid rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.
# Cecilia Rönn Avoids Confirming Leadership Bid in Sweden's Liberal Party Cecilia Rönn, widely seen as a leading candidate to lead the 'no' side in upcoming political debates, has declined to confirm whether she will challenge Simona Mohamsson for leadership of Sweden’s Liberal Party. In a statement to TT, Rönn emphasized her focus on policy over personal leadership ambitions, avoiding direct comment on succession plans.
# Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe Launches Robotics Startup Mind Robotics RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, has announced the formation of a new robotics venture, Mind Robotics. The startup marks Scaringe's expansion into AI and automation, building on his expertise in advanced mobility and manufacturing technologies beyond electric vehicles.
# JRPG Genre Experiences Revival with Major New Releases The JRPG genre is seeing a resurgence with highly anticipated titles such as Monster Hunter Stories 3, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Trails Through Daybreak. These games blend traditional storytelling with modern gameplay, appealing to a global audience and signaling strong innovation and investment in the future of Japanese role-playing games.
# Hannover Re Reports Strong Results and Raises Dividend Hannover Re announced a sharp increase in dividends following strong financial performance, driven by improved underwriting and profitability in the reinsurance sector. The company’s resilience amid economic uncertainty has bolstered investor confidence.
# Finance * Hannover Re announces a sharp dividend increase after a strong year. * Constellation Energy (CEG) secures long-term power deals with Microsoft, Meta, and CyrusOne, projecting 13%+ earnings growth through 2030 and 10% annual dividend increases. * Meta Platforms (META) reports Q4 revenue of $59.89B (+24% YoY), EPS $8.88, though AI margins are under pressure as capex outpaces growth. * TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp. (TPVG) shows recovery signs with portfolio expansion and credit stabilization, trading below $8.73 NAV. * MIG Capital opens a $12.27M position in Cogent Communications (CCOI) and exits $37.41M in Sotera Health (SHC) shares. * VR Adviser increases stake in Savara (SVRA) to 13.74M shares ($82.9M), representing 4.1% of AUM. * Warren Buffett steps down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway; financial sector holdings remain resilient post-turbulence. * Rising redemptions and loan markdowns signal potential contagion risk in private credit markets. * Market watch: FedEx, Lululemon, and Macy’s earnings may reflect consumer sentiment amid higher gas and shipping costs. * IGV ETF dips as Adobe (ADBE) struggles amid fading AI enthusiasm. * The Federal Reserve’s rate outlook may shift significantly, impacting markets.
# Technology & Software * Software stocks decline again as AI-driven gains lose momentum despite recent rebounds. * Nvidia struggles to 'move the needle' amid market saturation, analysts report. * Open-source tool Betterleaks detects valid secrets in files, directories, and git repositories using customizable rules. * Elon Musk's X Money payment service gains traction with real-world debit card use demonstrated at a gas station. * Microsoft, Meta, and CyrusOne are major buyers of nuclear energy from Constellation for AI infrastructure. * Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe launches Mind Robotics, expanding into AI and automation. * Chris Josephs co-founded Autopilot to copy congressional trades but supports banning lawmakers from stock trading. * Chris Perkins discusses the successful 5th edition adaptation of D&D's Ravenloft, now the best-selling D&D adventure ever. * Internet access in Iran remains severely restricted since the war began, cutting off global information flows.