No fans at Tokyo opening ceremony: report

Published

5 years ago

July 6, 2021

Spectators are reportedly set to be banned from the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, with only a reduced number of VIPs to be allowed to attend

With less than three weeks to go until the opening ceremony on July 23, case numbers are rising in Tokyo, leading to concerns of a 5th wave.

Japan’s capital has been recording an average of 585.6 daily infections over the past week.

The country’s government will decide this week whether to extent a quasi-state of emergency for Tokyo, which’s due to expire on July 11.

According to local media reports, it’s likely to be extended.

This will require Games’ organisers to rethink attendance limits.

Last month organisers agreed to allow venues to be filled to 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people.

But officials have recently warned that events may have to be held behind closed doors.

Five-way talks involving Tokyo Olympics organisers and government officials will take place on Thursday.

According to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, fans are likely to be banned from the opening ceremony on July 23. But a reduced number of VIPs and Olympic officials will be able to attend.

The newspaper also reports that events at large venues, and ones that take place at night, will be held without spectators.

This is yet to be confirmed, but there are clearly growing concerns over rising virus cases in Tokyo.

Man shot dead after breaching security at Mar a Lago

Man in 20s dies after breaching Mar-a-Lago, armed; Secret Service opened fire, citing no immediate danger inside.

Published

19 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Man in 20s dies after breaching Mar-a-Lago, armed; Secret Service opened fire, citing no immediate danger inside.

A man in his early 20s has been shot and killed after breaching the secure perimeter at President Trump’s Mar a Lago residence in Florida, according to the Secret Service. Officials say the president and first lady Melania Trump were in Washington DC at the time of the incident.

Authorities report the man was armed with a shotgun and a petrol canister when he approached the north gate. He was confronted by a sheriff’s deputy and two Secret Service agents who ordered him to drop the items before the situation rapidly escalated.

After putting down the petrol can, the man allegedly pointed the shotgun at officers, who then opened fire. Law enforcement says there was no immediate danger to anyone inside the property.

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News

Iran signals nuclear concessions as U.S. talks intensify

Iran may concede on its nuclear program for US recognition and sanctions relief, considering uranium exports and oil sector investments.

Published

19 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran may concede on its nuclear program for US recognition and sanctions relief, considering uranium exports and oil sector investments.

Iran is signalling it’s prepared to make concessions on its nuclear programme in exchange for U.S. recognition and sanctions relief, as fresh talks between Iran and the United States reveal deep divisions but renewed diplomatic momentum.

Tehran is reportedly considering sending its highly enriched uranium abroad and even forming a regional enrichment consortium to keep negotiations alive and avoid military escalation. Officials say an interim agreement could still be within reach despite the sticking points.

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UK police seek former aides’ insights on Prince Andrew

UK police contact ex-protection officers of Prince Andrew amid misconduct investigation linked to Jeffrey Epstein allegations

Published

3 days ago

February 21, 2026

Ahron Young

UK police contact ex-protection officers of Prince Andrew amid misconduct investigation linked to Jeffrey Epstein allegations

In Short:
– Police seek former protection officers of Prince Andrew for info on alleged Epstein-related offences.
– Authorities consider removing Mountbatten-Windsor from royal succession after investigation conclusions.

British police are reaching out to former protection officers of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his recent arrest related to allegations of misconduct in a public office.

The police have urged anyone with information about potential sex offences connected to Jeffrey Epstein to come forward.Authorities are considering legislative measures to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal succession line once the investigation concludes. Any changes would require consultation with other realms where King Charles is head of state.

The recent allegations stem from claims that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government documents with Epstein during his time as a trade envoy. The London Metropolitan Police is now identifying former officers who may assist in the ongoing investigation and has encouraged them to share any pertinent information.

Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing in the Epstein matter.

In 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit filed in the U.S. by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse. Reports indicated he paid her approximately £12 million, a claim he denies.

Police Investigation

London authorities are reassessing previous decisions not to pursue criminal investigations related to Epstein’s activities.

Recent document releases from the U.S. government have prompted police to explore allegations of human trafficking involving Epstein at UK airports.

Police have been actively searching Mountbatten-Windsor’s residences as part of their investigation. His arrest marks an unprecedented event in modern royal history, raising significant public interest and concern in various countries.