Thursday, March 05, 2026
Meet Pedro Sánchez, Europe’s most vocal critic of Trump’s attacks on Iran
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attends a session of parliament in Madrid, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)
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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s Pedro Sánchez has once again emerged as Europe’s most consistently vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump, drawing his ire for refusing to allow the American military to stage operations for its attacks on Iran from Spanish military bases.
Trump lashed out at the Spanish prime minister on Tuesday, saying he would “ cut off all trade with Spain " in retaliation for the affront. The spat intensified the next day when Spain’s foreign minister contradicted a claim by the White House press secretary that Spain had heard Trump’s message “loud and clear” and was cooperating with the U.S. military.
While denouncing the repressive government in Tehran, Sánchez said he would not back a war that he said was an unjustified assault.
“We are not going to be complicit in something that is bad for the world and is also contrary to our values and interests, just out of fear of reprisals from someone,” Sánchez said, using the slogan “No to the war” in a speech this week.
The tussle over the Spanish military bases is likely more a diplomatic question than one of military consequence. The U.S. has bases across Europe and the Middle East, and other European countries have agreed to cooperate.
Madrid and Washington have had stable, friendly and mostly low-key relations for decades, starting in the 20th century when the U.S. began sharing military bases with Spain when the latter was still under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.
Sánchez's government exported to Iran 6 million euros in technology for military or nuclear use
Pedro Sánchez and Iranian authorities
porEditorial Team14 de enero de 2026, 12:48
Argentina
These are data from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, from the second half of 2018 to the first half of 2024
Since the arrival of the socialist Pedro Sánchez to the Presidency of the Government in mid-2018, Spain authorized exports of material considered "dual use" to the Islamic regime of Iran for an amount close to six million euros.
This can be seen in the official data published by the Secretariat of State for Trade, which is part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, corresponding to the period between the second half of 2018 and the first half of 2024, the latest available report.
According to that official information, exports of this type of material, destined for both the Iranian public and private sectors, began to be recorded after the motion of no confidence against Partido Popular that brought the PSOE leader to Moncloa. In the second half of 2018 alone, the total exported value reached 2,912,281 euros, marking the beginning of a series of commercial operations that continued in the following years.
porEditorial Team14 de enero de 2026, 12:48
Argentina
These are data from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, from the second half of 2018 to the first half of 2024
Since the arrival of the socialist Pedro Sánchez to the Presidency of the Government in mid-2018, Spain authorized exports of material considered "dual use" to the Islamic regime of Iran for an amount close to six million euros.
This can be seen in the official data published by the Secretariat of State for Trade, which is part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, corresponding to the period between the second half of 2018 and the first half of 2024, the latest available report.
According to that official information, exports of this type of material, destined for both the Iranian public and private sectors, began to be recorded after the motion of no confidence against Partido Popular that brought the PSOE leader to Moncloa. In the second half of 2018 alone, the total exported value reached 2,912,281 euros, marking the beginning of a series of commercial operations that continued in the following years.
Regularisation of migrants in Spain: ‘Every person is an end in themselves'
A man walks the beach in Las Palmas, Spain, a week after arriving from Gambia (AFP or licensors)
World
World
Regularisation of migrants in Spain: ‘Every person is an end in themselves'
Amaya Valcárcel, International Advocacy Advisor at Jesuit Refugee Service, speaks to Vatican News about the Spanish government’s recent decision to grant legal residency to hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants.
By Joseph Tulloch
Last month, the Spanish cabinet approved a decree granting legal residency to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants.
At a time when deportation and detention dominate discussions on migration elsewhere, it was a striking choice.
In Spain, irregular migrants had lived “for years in the shadows,” said Amaya Valcárcel, International Advocacy Advisor at Jesuit Refugee Service. For the estimated 500,000 to one million affected, regularisation means “recognition of their civil existence” and “a step toward legal security.”
Speaking to Vatican News via email, Valcárcel, who is Spanish, emphasised that irregular migrants carry out “indispensable” work in Spain, in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, construction and domestic work. However, without access to formal job contracts or safety nets, they live “under constant risk”.
American Catholics launch crowdfunding effort to gift Pope Leo XIV papal tiara
A nonprofit hopes to generate enough small donations to construct a papal tiara for Pope Leo XIV as a gift from American Catholics.
Save this story
Amici Vaticani’s design for a papal tiara to gift to Pope Leo XIV. The newly established nonprofit launched a crowdfunding effort to construct a papal tiara that will contain Catholic and American symbolism, with the plan to offer it to the pope as a gift from American Catholics. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Maltese jeweler Gabriel Farrugia
By Tyler Arnold
March 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM ET
A newly established nonprofit launched a crowdfunding effort to construct a papal tiara that will contain Catholic and American symbolism, with the plan to offer it to Pope Leo XIV as a gift from American Catholics for the first pontiff from the United States.
“Historically, the majority of papal tiaras are gifts, usually from the home diocese of the pope or from religious [communities] they may be affiliated with,” Isaac Smith, a convert to Catholicism and the founder of Amici Vaticani, told EWTN News.
Smith said he was motivated to launch the project to provide Leo with a papal tiara based on the desire for “us, as Americans, to continue that tradition.” He said the first American pope is “such a historical milestone” for Catholicism in the United States.
The history of papal crowns dates back to at least the eighth century with the word “tiara” first used in the 12th century. A second crown was added to the tiara in the 13th century to symbolize that the pope holds authority in both spiritual and temporal matters.
Who is driving the campaign against the Order of Malta?
March 4, 2026 9:38 AM
HJA Sire
Somebody has got it in for the Order of Malta, the 900-year-old Catholic order which maintains hospitals and runs charitable activities all over the world. In Italy, a stream of very similar articles has been appearing, beginning with an attack last October in the left-wing newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano, by a journalist writing as Thomas Mackinson. In recent weeks there has been an accelerating series of articles under different names, all of them repeating the same criticisms. People in the Order’s ambit are beginning to wonder who is putting them up to it and why.
The articles accuse the Order of betraying a reform intended by Pope Francis, who wanted to bring it more into line with the life of a full religious order. The criticisms highlight the role of the professed knights – those who take the traditional religious vows – and assert that these need to be made to live in community so as to be true religious. What the articles do not explain, however, and indeed seriously misrepresent, is how the Order came to be in its present position.
The background is the crisis precipitated among the knights by Pope Francis in January 2017, when he forced the Grand Master, the Englishman Matthew Festing, to resign. The result was effectively putting the Order into the hands of its German branch, under the Grand Chancellor (effectively prime minister of the Order) Albrecht von Boeselager. The German-backed faction consolidated their control in the five-yearly elections to the Order’s government held in 2019. Of the 18 names back by this camp, all but one were elected.
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
Tuesday, March 03, 2026
Monday, March 02, 2026
San Francisco Central SDA Church Vandalized With Slurs and Swastikas
2 February 2026 |
No church-goer should arrive at their church on Sabbath morning to see swastikas and hate speech graffiti on the walls of their church. Unfortunately, this was the reality for congregants of Central Seventh-day Adventist Church on the Saturday morning of February 28.
Officers arrived at the church in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood at around 8:45 am. Reports were of swastikas, antisemitic language, and homophobic slurs written in fresh paint on the side of the church. The police estimated around $20,000 worth of damage to the church and city utilities located in the 2800 block of California Street. That same day, Sadat Mousa, 51, was arrested in connection with the crime.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle:
“Mousa was booked into San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement, terrorism for desecrating a cross on private property, and possession of graffiti instruments.
Mousa appears to have a history with law enforcement, including a prison sentence for making threats of violence to family members in a 2010 domestic violence case.
His bond was set at $100,000.”
Some were fearful that the outburst of hate speech might have been in response to heightened tensions regarding the recent Iran strikes. However, The church’s pastor, Mark Ferrell, does not believe it was influenced by the recent attacks by the U.S and Israel.
“Personally, I don’t think it was directed so much at the church,” Ferrell said Saturday night. “There’s a lot of high emotions right now in a lot of people. It’s not just what happened today in Iran.”
The police wrote in a statement:
“This kind of hateful act will never be tolerated in our city,” said SFPD Chief Derrick Lew. “We will do everything in our power to protect our communities and ensure justice is served in this case. I want to thank our officers who acted swiftly to make an arrest in this case.”
No church-goer should arrive at their church on Sabbath morning to see swastikas and hate speech graffiti on the walls of their church. Unfortunately, this was the reality for congregants of Central Seventh-day Adventist Church on the Saturday morning of February 28.
Officers arrived at the church in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood at around 8:45 am. Reports were of swastikas, antisemitic language, and homophobic slurs written in fresh paint on the side of the church. The police estimated around $20,000 worth of damage to the church and city utilities located in the 2800 block of California Street. That same day, Sadat Mousa, 51, was arrested in connection with the crime.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle:
“Mousa was booked into San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement, terrorism for desecrating a cross on private property, and possession of graffiti instruments.
Mousa appears to have a history with law enforcement, including a prison sentence for making threats of violence to family members in a 2010 domestic violence case.
His bond was set at $100,000.”
Some were fearful that the outburst of hate speech might have been in response to heightened tensions regarding the recent Iran strikes. However, The church’s pastor, Mark Ferrell, does not believe it was influenced by the recent attacks by the U.S and Israel.
“Personally, I don’t think it was directed so much at the church,” Ferrell said Saturday night. “There’s a lot of high emotions right now in a lot of people. It’s not just what happened today in Iran.”
The police wrote in a statement:
“This kind of hateful act will never be tolerated in our city,” said SFPD Chief Derrick Lew. “We will do everything in our power to protect our communities and ensure justice is served in this case. I want to thank our officers who acted swiftly to make an arrest in this case.”
Senate Chaplain Barry Black's prayer at hearing to increase affordable housing
Senate Chaplain Barry Black's prayer at hearing to increase affordable housing - March 2, 2026
Chaplain Barry Black:
Mighty God..> we pray in YOUR POWERFUL NAME, Amen.
What do Shias believe about Imam Mahdi?
+9Shia Muslims (specifically Twelvers) believe Imam Mahdi is the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, born in the 9th century and currently in a state of "occultation" (hiding) by divine will. He is considered the living, sinless Savior who will return at the end of time to eliminate injustice, oppression, and restore peace.
Wikipedia +4
Key Beliefs About Imam Mahdi:
•The Occultation (Ghaybah): Shias believe he did not die but was concealed by Allah to protect him. He exists in two phases: the minor occultation (when he communicated through representatives) and the major occultation, which continues today.
•Role in Society: Despite being hidden, Shia theology holds that he is still responsible for the spiritual guidance of humanity, acting as a "living guardian".
•Return and Justice: He will reappear alongside Jesus Christ to establish a global, just, and peaceful Islamic society.
•Signs of Reappearance: His return is expected during a time of rampant tyranny and requires specific conditions, including the preparation of 313 top followers.
•"Waiting" (Intezar): This is a core Shia practice, viewing the waiting for the Mahdi as a proactive state of hope, spiritual preparation, and resistance against injustice.
While the concept of a Mahdi is shared in Sunni Islam, the distinction for Shias is the firm belief that he has already been born, is currently living in concealment, and is specifically the 12th Imam.
Key Beliefs About Imam Mahdi:
•The 12th Imam: He is the son of the 11th Imam, Hasan al-Askari, and is believed to be the final successor to Prophet Muhammad.
•The Occultation (Ghaybah): Shias believe he did not die but was concealed by Allah to protect him. He exists in two phases: the minor occultation (when he communicated through representatives) and the major occultation, which continues today.
•Role in Society: Despite being hidden, Shia theology holds that he is still responsible for the spiritual guidance of humanity, acting as a "living guardian".
•Return and Justice: He will reappear alongside Jesus Christ to establish a global, just, and peaceful Islamic society.
•Signs of Reappearance: His return is expected during a time of rampant tyranny and requires specific conditions, including the preparation of 313 top followers.
•"Waiting" (Intezar): This is a core Shia practice, viewing the waiting for the Mahdi as a proactive state of hope, spiritual preparation, and resistance against injustice.
While the concept of a Mahdi is shared in Sunni Islam, the distinction for Shias is the firm belief that he has already been born, is currently living in concealment, and is specifically the 12th Imam.
New Hampshire National Guard activated
WMUR
Updated: 7:53 PM EST Feb 28, 2026
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
News 9 has learned a New Hampshire National Guard unit was recently activated.
That is according to Greg Heilshorn, Director of Public Affairs for the New Hampshire National Guard.
"Due to operational security, we cannot comment further at this time," his statement continued.
Source
Sunday, March 01, 2026
Apparent gunman in Austin 6th Street shooting wore 'Property of Allah' shirt
PHOTO: Apparent gunman in Austin 6th Street shooting wore 'Property of Allah' shirt
By Joseph Rowe
Published March 1, 2026 2:20pm CST
FOX News obtained this image that purportedly shows the gunman responsible for a deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2026. (FOX News)
The BriefA mass shooting in Downtown Austin early on Sunday left three dead, including the gunman, and 14 others wounded outside Buford's beer garden.
The suspect was killed by police at the scene; investigators later recovered materials from his vehicle suggesting a "potential nexus to terrorism."
A specific motive is currently unknown, though authorities are probing the suspect’s possible extremist ties and his use of Iranian-related imagery.
AUSTIN, Texas - Investigators are probing the deadly shooting on Austin’s Sixth Street, that left three dead and 14 injured.
Officials are gathering new evidence that could point to extremist motives, as additional details surfaced Sunday about the gunman’s background and clothing during the incident.
Most Corrupt Series | Ilhan Omar | Fleeing Corruption, Then Preaching to America
From war-torn beginnings to the halls of U.S. power, Ilhan Omar’s story is one of ambition, conflict, and controversy. Her rise inspired millions—and ignited fierce national debate.
LIVE: Anti-ICE Demonstrators Outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota
LIVE: Anti-ICE Demonstrators Outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota
What’s Really at Stake in the Fight Between Anthropic and the Pentagon
Feud goes beyond AI guardrails and revolves around the dream of the nascent technology’s future
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei JEREMY LEUNG/WSJ, AP, BLOOMBERG
By Tim Higgins
March 1, 2026 5:30 am ET
It would be so much easier to understand the fight between the Pentagon and AI star Anthropic if we were talking about traditional weapons.
If Anthropic were selling bullets, for example, then obviously Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wouldn’t want limits imposed by an ammunition maker on whom he could shoot at or when. But AI is way more, a nascent technology featuring the promise of possible superintelligence. Its potential uses and capabilities are still being developed.
So the real fight is over the dream of what AI could be.
It is the same disagreement that is taking place across Wall Street and corporate America. What exactly does artificial intelligence mean for our future?
It is a question that sent the stock market into a tizzy this past week on a report by Citrini Research that painted a doomsday scenario for the economy if AI wipes out the white-collar workforce. “What if our AI bullishness continues to be right…and what if that’s actually bearish?” the firm asked.
It’s at the heart of some Silicon Valley workers’ fears that the American dream is on the verge of vanishing as AI further divides the haves from the have-nots in a world where humans are replaced by robots in factories and cubicles.
For Anthropic Chief Executive Officer Dario Amodei, there is concern over Pentagon demands to remove its self-imposed rules that prevent the company’s AI from being used for mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. “Frontier AI systems are simply not reliable enough to power fully autonomous weapons,” Amodei said Thursday. “We will not knowingly provide a product that puts America’s warfighters and civilians at risk.”
His statement came ahead of a Friday deadline for the company to get on board with the Pentagon’s demands or else face some pretty dire consequences. With Anthropic’s recalcitrance, President Trump responded by announcing the entire federal government would stop working with Anthropic.
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