News

Afghanistan commercial flights resume following Taliban takeover

Published

4 years ago

September 10, 2021

The first international flight from Kabul has taken off for the first time since the recent rule of the Taliban

Kabul on Thursday saw the departure of its first international commercial flight since last month’s chaotic Western airlift, but hopes for a return to order were offset by U.N. reports of rising restrictions on women and a looming humanitarian disaster.

The flight marked an important step in the Taliban’s efforts to bring a degree of normality back to the country after they seized power last month. But U.N. Special Envoy on Afghanistan Deborah Lyons told the Security Council the country was in danger of “a total breakdown of the economy and social order” without an infusion of money.

She also said there were rising reports of the Taliban imposing curbs on women similar to those when they ruled from 1996 to 2001, despite a promise by leaders to respect women’s rights in accordance with sharia, or Islamic law.

Visiting Islamabad, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani thanked Taliban leaders for helping reopen the airport.

About 113 people were aboard the flight to Doha operated by state-owned Qatar Airways, officials said. The passengers included U.S., Canadian, Ukrainian, German and British citizens, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

Declining to give a number for the American contingent aboard, the United States said 30 U.S. citizens and permanent residents were invited to join the flight but not all had accepted.

A source said the passengers were taken to Kabul airport in a Qatari convoy after safe passage was agreed. In Doha, they will initially stay in a compound hosting Afghan and other evacuees.

Although international flights have flown in and out with officials, technicians and aid in recent days, this was the first such civilian flight since the hectic evacuation of 124,000 foreigners and at-risk Afghans that followed the Taliban’s capture of the capital on Aug. 15.

Qatari special envoy Mutlaq bin Majed al-Qahtani described Thursday’s flight as a regular one and not an evacuation. There would also be a flight on Friday, he said.

“Hopefully, life is becoming normal in Afghanistan,” al-Qahtani said from the tarmac, quoted by Al Jazeera.

News

Markets shrug as Trump tariffs take effect

Investors remain calm amid Trump’s 15% tariffs, focusing on future policy uncertainty and inflation risks instead.

Published

15 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors remain calm amid Trump’s 15% tariffs, focusing on future policy uncertainty and inflation risks instead.

Investors are largely unfazed as U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs officially come into effect. The administration has introduced a blanket 15 percent levy on imports, initially set at 10 percent under temporary regulations, but markets have responded with little drama. Analysts suggest traders have grown accustomed to tariff announcements, limiting any immediate shock to equities.

While the headline policy shift is significant, experts argue the real concern lies elsewhere. Ongoing uncertainty around global trade policy and the potential for further measures is keeping investors cautious. Rather than reacting to the current rate, markets appear more focused on what could come next.

Inflation pressures also remain firmly on the radar, as higher import costs could feed into consumer prices over time. For now, however, the broader market landscape looks largely unchanged, with investors taking a wait-and-see approach.

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News

Savannah Guthrie family offers $1 million reward in search for missing mother

Savannah Guthrie’s family offers $1M reward for info on her missing mother, as FBI investigates suspect linked to DNA evidence.

Published

15 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Savannah Guthrie’s family offers $1M reward for info on her missing mother, as FBI investigates suspect linked to DNA evidence.

The family of US television host Savannah Guthrie is offering a staggering $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. Nancy was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her home near Tucson, Arizona, before she was reported missing the following day.

Authorities, including the FBI, have been investigating the disappearance, previously raising the reward to $100,000 as the search intensified. Investigators have now obtained a DNA sample from a glove found near Nancy’s home, believed to be linked to a suspect captured in doorbell camera footage before her suspected abduction.

Savannah shared a heartbreaking message as the desperate search continues, with her family urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has gripped the nation as officials pursue every possible lead.

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News

Albanese evacuated from Lodge due to security threat

Anthony Albanese evacuated from The Lodge amid security threat, federal police conducting thorough search assures public safety

Published

1 day ago

February 24, 2026

Ahron Young

Anthony Albanese evacuated from The Lodge amid security threat, federal police conducting thorough search assures public safety

In Short:
– Prime Minister Albanese was evacuated from The Lodge due to a security threat.
– Australian Federal Police confirmed no current threat to public safety.

Anthony Albanese has been evacuated from The Lodge in Canberra due to a security threat.Federal police relocated the Prime Minister to a secure location around 6 pm.

A comprehensive search of the protection establishment is ongoing.

The Australian Federal Police confirmed there is no current threat to public safety.

An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said they were alerted to an alleged security incident at the property, near Parliament House.

“A thorough search of a protection establishment was undertaken and nothing suspicious was located,” a statement said.

“There is no current threat to the community or public safety.

The scene at The Lodge. Photo Credit: Lexie Jeuniewic

“Further information will be provided at an appropriate time.”

This incident follows a recent event where a man was shot dead by Secret Service agents after breaching the perimeter of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, while Mr Trump and his wife Melania were in Washington.

Security Incident

Prime Minister Albanese’s evacuation highlights ongoing security concerns. Authorities are increasing vigilance in light of recent events involving high-profile figures.

Coordination between federal and local agencies remains crucial to ensure safety and security protocols are effectively executed.

Earlier in the day, Albanese recorded an hour-long interview with journalist Karl Stefanovic at The Lodge.

Last week, Mr Albanese urged Australians to “turn the temperature down” following a major defence event in Canberra that was disrupted by police-investigated incidents.

Hundreds of attendees at the ADM Congress were evacuated after a suspicious package was discovered. The bomb squad was then deployed to the scene.

During another address, a rock was thrown through a hotel window causing a scramble for the exits.

The evacuation of The Lodge comes amid heightened concerns about threats directed at elected officials across Australia.