Bankrupt discount carrier Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday, the industry’s first casualty linked to the Iran war, after failing to secure creditor support for a US government bailout plan. The collapse of the carrier following a doubling in jet fuel prices during the two-month-old Iran war will cost thousands of jobs. It is a blow to US President Donald Trump, who had proposed US$500 million to save Spirit despite opposition from some of his closest advisers and many Republicans in...

Dimitrol posted a photo:

A wooden-framed window opens onto the smooth, warm red facade, the glass of which blends the reflection of the surrounding greenery with a subtle trace of presence – the figure of the photographer, captured at the moment he raises the camera to his eye. It is a silent meeting of two worlds: the outer, full of light and leaves, and the inner, hidden behind a semi-transparent curtain. The windowsill is enlivened by plants and the sun draws sharp shadows on the wall, which diverge like delicate graphics and give rhythm to the scene. The whole seems like an intimate painting about observation, about a moment of pause, when the photographer becomes part of his own image.
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© Dimitrol

The former defense minister and current Security Council secretary allegedly discussed sensitive issues with a corruption case suspect

Vladimir Zelensky should fire Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov over his alleged dealings with a businessman charged in a high-level corruption case, MP Fyodor Venislavsky has said.

The former defense minister, who has acted as Kiev’s top negotiator in peace talks with Moscow since late November, had previously attracted the attention of anti-corruption authorities over his alleged abuse of power.

Umerov’s name is in the headlines again in light of the latest media leaks linked to Timur Mindich, a businessman and longtime associate of Zelensky who stands accused of orchestrating a $100 million graft scheme. Ukrainskaya Pravda (UP) has recently published what it claimed were transcripts from surveillance recordings of his conversations with various officials, including Umerov, who was the defense minister at the time.

“Given the high-profile nature of the tapes… I believe it would be a wise political decision to fire Mr. Umerov,” Venislavsky told the US-sponsored Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Friday, commenting on the leaks, which have since become known as the ‘Mindich tapes’.

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Earlier, the public anti-corruption council at the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, an advisory body tasked with overseeing the ministry’s activities, also urged Zelensky to fire Umerov in light of the latest leaks, arguing that the former minister’s actions should be seen as “power abuse” and a “divulgence of state secrets.” Zelensky has not responded to the calls so far.

According to the leaks, Mindich allegedly urged Umerov to approve a shipment of body armor supplied by his firm that the ministry had refused to certify. They also purportedly discussed issues related to the Ukrainian defense contractor Fire Point – a company Mindich was supposedly effectively running – as well as some appointments within the Ukrainian government.

In early 2025, a Western-backed NGO claimed that Umerov, still the minister at the time, was under investigation for alleged abuse of power. He left his ministerial position in July and was appointed by Zelensky to lead the National Security and Defense Council the very next day.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and briefed him on the security situation in the country, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

According to the PMO statement, Naqvi met with the premier in Lahore, where he briefed him on the security situation in the country and the measures taken in this regard.

The interior minister also informed the premier regarding the security arrangements for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final scheduled to be held in Lahore tomorrow (Sunday).

PM Shehbaz directed Naqvi to make the best possible arrangements for the players, spectators and citizens.

In February, the minister had met with the premier to review the country’s overall security environment following major suicide attacks in the federal capital.

At the time, PM Shehbaz had directed Naqvi to address the security situation in Islamabad and other matters “in an effective and efficient manner”.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops was to be expected.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops was to be expected.

Babar Azam was asked whether he would be open to returning as Pakistan captain if he wins PSL 2026. Here's how he responded. 

From chrome nail twists on Jennie, Hunter, and Demi, to dégradé manicures at Chanel, this week in beauty was dominated by metallics refreshed for spring.

Festival pandal collapses at Koodalmanikyam Temple

Recently, govt. asked KSEB to take over the 12 MW unit since the pact with Carborundum had ended in December 2024. On April 29, signages proclaiming ‘KSEB property’ were planted on the unit premises, prompting criticism from the company. On Saturday, the govt. decides to freeze the move till a panel decides on the company’s application to extend the pact.

hunterp2012 posted a photo:

So much fun watching these geese undisturbed

© hunterp2012

Around 20,000 partygoers gathered on Saturday for an illegal rave at a military site in France, defying warnings about the risk of possible explosions from old ordnance. Read More