Having blasted open a vacuum, there’s no guarantee the US and Israel will like what comes next

Undermining this moment of relief for many repressed Iranians is that killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a perilously simple fix to a very complex problem.

Khamanei's rule was marked by mismanagement, and ultimately ended with one of the more brutal episodes of his trademark repression – the violence his regime meted out to keep power.

His removal has sparkedcelebrations in Tehran, as well as 40 days' official mourning and huge pro-regime crowds – but also a struggle for what remains of the regime to work outwhat comes next.

Israeli officials have hinted the strike was expedited to exploit a daylight window of opportunity when senior Iranian leaders met. And US President Donald Trump appears to have reached again for the Venezuela playbook, suggesting he had a successor in mind – as he did after the capture of Nicolás Maduro, anointing deputy leader Delcy Rodriguez as his preferred interlocutor.

When asked late Saturday, Trump notably declined to say who he thought would play that role in this case. Soon, though, Tehran will have to announce a succession plan.

But Iran is absolutely not as persuadable as Venezuela has been so far.

For 47 years, a theocracy has turned into an autocracy and kleptocracy. A large proportion of the country's more than 90 million people rely on the regime for their livelihood, and a minority have blood on their hands from helping it repress dissent.

When the Assad regime in nearby Syria collapsed in late 2024, its security forces had been hollowed out – and its economy ravaged – by years of civil conflict. Iran's security forces have just had a refresher course in the power of savagery,as they put down January's uprising.

The US and Israel seem united in their assessment that removing the top layer of Iran's regime will leave them in a better place.

As well as Khamenei, defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, head of the Iranian Security Council Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Mohammad Pakpour were all killed in a matter of hours. This is a security elite just recently reconstituted after the decimating of June's 12-day war.

Who steps in?

But history lacks good examples of air campaigns that have easily toppled regimes and led to replacements that the attackers preferred.

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Hardliners will race to fill the void, simply to survive. They may be reluctant to be next in the US-Israeli crosshairs, but that fear has not led to a shortage of candidates in the past. Is it possible a consensus emerges that, to endure, the autocracy must make peace with the US and the region, and feign moderation for a while?

Perhaps. But that risks projecting the weakness Tehran is so allergic to.

There is no easy replacement government-in-opposition-on-a-box that Trump can promote.

Reza Pahlavi, heir of the long-deposed shah, cannot swan into Tehran and pick up the reins without risking an angry IRGC trying to kill him. There is no opposition really left inside Iran. As in Caracas, any solution will likely have to come from inside the remnants of the regime.

In many ways, missteps by Khamanei have made the US and Israel's job easier. His repression and economic mismanagement mean Iran is in desperate and self-evident need of change, his people yearning to be freer and richer.

His clear orders to retaliate so ferociously to these strikes – carried out, it seems, posthumously – have enraged most of the region, hitting neighbors who had urged the US to back away from strikes, now livid that their civilians have come under Iranian missile and drone attack. Iran seems to keep making itself weaker, but it does not stop.

A momentous risk now is fracture; that no single faction wins out, and patchwork violence and celebration split Iran, leading to a collapse that destabilizes not only the nation, but the region.

Trump's limited attention span and allergy to protracted military involvement simply reinforce this risk. The president lacks the political capital at home, the preparation of his electorate for war, or the resources in theatre to fight this battle for months.

He has also kept his goals slim and achievable. Iran's nuclear program, its missiles, and its ability to harass the US, he can claim, have taken another huge hit. Trump never explicitly declared regime change was his goal – he simply encouraged it. He can declare victory at a moment of his choosing, regardless of what it means for Iran's future.

The superior technology, intelligence and firepower of the United States and Israel enabled them to conjure a swift and simple solution to their enduring Iran problem. But it has yet to address the glaring and perhaps insurmountable complexities of Iran that have kept it a thorn in the United States' side for half a century.

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byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

Having blasted open a vacuum, there’s no guarantee the US and Israel will like what comes next

Undermining this moment of relief for many repressed Iranians is that killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a ...

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Middle East airports closed and thousands of travelers stranded after attack on Iran

LONDON (AP) — Theattack on Iranby the United States and Israel disrupted flights across the Middle East and beyond Saturday as countries around the region closed their airspace and key airports that connect Europe, Africa and the West to Asia were directly hit by strikes.

Lebanon Israel Iran US

Airports across the Middle East remained closed Sunday as the conflict moved into its second day. Emirates Airlines suspended all flights to and from Dubai until at least Sunday afternoon. The Qatar airport was closed until at least Monday morning, according to Qatar Airways. Israeli airspace also remained closed Sunday.

The closures have stranded tens of thousands of travelers around the world.

Hundreds of thousands of travelers were either stranded or diverted to other airports Saturday after Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain closed their airspace. There also was no flight activity over the United Arab Emirates, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 said, after the government there announced a "temporary and partial closure" of its airspace.

That led to the closure of key hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and the cancellation of more than 1,800 flights by major Middle Eastern airlines. The three major airlines that operate at those airports — Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad — typically have about 90,000 passengers per day crossing through those hubs and even more travelers headed to destinations in the Middle East, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Two airports in the United Arab Emirates reported incidents as the government there condemned what it called a "blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles" on Saturday.

Officials at Dubai International Airport — the largest in the United Arab Emirates and one of thebusiest in the world— said four people were injured, while Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi said that one person was killed and seven others were injured in a drone strike. Strikes were also reported at Kuwait International Airport.

Though Iran did not publicly claim responsibility, the scope of retaliatory strikes that Gulf nations attributed to Iran extended beyond the American bases that it previously said it would target.

"For travelers, there's no way to sugarcoat this," said Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group. "You should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end."

Airlines that are crossing the Middle East will have to reroute flights around the conflict with many flights headed south over Saudi Arabia. That will add hours to those flights and consume additional fuel, adding to the costs airlines will have to absorb. So ticket prices could quickly start to increase if the conflict lingers.

The added flights will also put pressure on air traffic controllers in Saudi Arabia who might have to slow traffic to make sure they can handle it safely. And the countries that closed their airspace will miss out on the overflight fees airlines pay for crossing overhead.

But Mike McCormick, who used to oversee air traffic control for the Federal Aviation Administration before he retired and is now a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said over the next few days these countries might be able to reopen parts of their airspace once American and Israeli officials share with the airlines where military flights are operating and how capable Iran remains at firing missiles.

"Those countries then will be able to go through and say, okay, we can reopen this portion of our space but we'll keep this portion of our airspace closed," McCormick said. "So I think what we'll see in the next 24 to 36 hours how the use of airspace evolves as the kinetic activity gets more well defined and as the capability of Iran to actually shoot missiles and create additional risk is diminished due to the attacks."

But it is unclear how long the disruption to flight operations could last. For comparison, the Israeli and U.S. attack on Iran in June 2025lasted 12 days.

'No one knows'

The situation was changing quickly and airlines urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport.

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Some airlines issued waivers to affected travelers that will allow them to rebook their flight plans without paying extra fees or higher fares.

Jonathan Escott and his fiance had arrived at the airport in Newcastle, England, on Saturday only to find out that his direct flight to Dubai on Emirates airline was canceled, leaving everyone on the flight stuck there.

Escott left to go back to where he was staying with family, about an hour from the airport, but has no idea when he may be able to travel.

"No one knows," Escott said. "No one really knows what's going on with the conflict, really. Not Emirates, Emirates don't have a clue. No one has a clue."

At least 145 planes that were en route to cities like Tel Aviv and Dubai early Saturday were diverted to airports in cities like Athens, Istanbul or Rome, according to FlightAware. Others turned around and returned to where they took off from. One plane spent nearly 15 hours in the air after leaving Philadelphia and getting all the way to Spain before turning around and returning to where it started.

Numerous airlines canceled international flights to Dubai through the weekend, as India's civil aviation agency designated much of the Middle East — including skies above Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon — as a high-security risk zone at all altitudes.

Air India canceled all flights to Mideast destinations. Turkish Airlines said flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan were suspended until Monday and flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman were suspended.

The airline said additional cancellations may be announced, and many other airlines were suspending flights into the region through the weekend.

Travelers advised to be 'very creative'

U.S.-based Delta Air Lines and United Airlines suspended flights to Tel Aviv at least through the weekend. Dutch airline KLM had already announced earlier in the week that it was suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv.

Airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Transavia and Pegasus canceled all flights to Lebanon, while American Airlines suspended flights from Philadelphia to Doha.

Virgin Atlantic said it would avoid flying over Iraq, meaning flights to and from India, the Maldives and Riyadh could take slightly longer. The airline already was not flying over Iran and said all flights would carry appropriate fuel in case they need to reroute on short notice.

British Airways said flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will be suspended until next week, and flights to Amman, Jordan, were canceled Saturday.

"Travelers should anticipate that there will be a lot of disruptions," Harteveldt said. "To be honest, if you haven't left home, chances are you won't be leaving home if you're supposed to travel to or through these destinations for at least several days, if not longer. And if you are returning home, you will have to be very creative about how you get home."

Levy reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska. Associated Press writers Adam Schreck in Bangkok, Sam Metz in Ramallah, West Bank, and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed.

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

Middle East airports closed and thousands of travelers stranded after attack on Iran

LONDON (AP) — Theattack on Iranby the United States and Israel disrupted flights across the Middle East and beyond Saturd...

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Strong second half by Jestin Porter powers Clemson past No. 24 Louisville

Powered by Jestin Porter's 16 points, Clemson came away with an 80-75 win over visiting Louisville on Saturday afternoon in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

The win ended Clemson's losing streak at four and gave the Tigers (21-8, 11-5 ACC) their second victory against a ranked opponent this season.

Porter scored all of his points after halftime and made four three-pointers.

Ace Buckner collected a season-high eight rebounds off the Tigers bench. RJ Godfrey scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Tigers.

For the Cardinals (20-9, 9-7), Ryan Conwell extended his double-digit scoring streak to 22 games as he scored 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting.

Louisville's leading scorer on the season, Mikel Brown Jr., came off the bench for the second time this season due to a back injury. He scored a season-low five points on 2-of-10 shooting from the field and a season-worst 0-for-6 from three-point range.

After a driving layup in the second half, Brown grimaced coming up the court. He left the game at the 16:12 mark and returned to action at the 13:12 mark. However, he played only five more minutes after that and exited the game for good at the 8:40 mark.

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Adrian Wooley started the game for Brown and scored 17 points for Louisville with three three-pointers, tying a season-high in conference play.

To begin the second half, Clemson went on a 10-4 run to build its lead to nine points.

Louisville had held Clemson scoreless for two and a half minutes, but a Porter layup followed by an immediate steal led to a three-pointer that ended the drought and increased Clemson's lead to 11 points as the Littlejohn Coliseum fans in attendance rose to their feet.

Coming into the game, Louisville was second in the ACC in free-throw percentage at 77.8%. They shot a season-low 58% from the foul line Saturday.

The Cardinals were fifth in three-point percentage at 36.1% and first in three pointers made per game going into Saturday's matchup, when they went 10-for-36 from three-point range and missed 24 out of their final 28 three-point attempts after starting the game 4-for-6 from three.

In the final minute of the game, Louisville went on a quick 16-4 run to get the Clemson lead from a game-high 15 points all the way down to four. Wooley scored 11 of his 17 points during that time frame.

However, Buckner made four free throws in the final 15 seconds to keep Louisville at bay long enough for the clock to hit zero.

--Field Level Media

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

Strong second half by Jestin Porter powers Clemson past No. 24 Louisville

Powered by Jestin Porter's 16 points, Clemson came away with an 80-75 win over visiting Louisville on Saturday aft...

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How the World Is Reacting to the Attack on Iran

A young Iranian protester shouts anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli slogans during an anti-war protest against the U.S. and Israeli military attacks, in Tehran, on Feb. 28, 2026. Credit - Morteza Nikoubazl—NurPhoto via Getty Images

World leaders reacted with a mix of support, condemnation and urgent calls for restraint after the United States and Israel launched a sweeping military campaign against Iran on Saturday thatkilledSupreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump announced Khamenei's death in a post on Truth Social, calling it "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country."

The U.S. and Israel announced their strikes on the Middle Eastern nation in the early hours of Saturday morning after weeks of Trump threatening Iran over their nuclear deal program. The strikes hit the capital Tehran, as well as Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Tabriz and Isfahan, where there is a major nuclear facility.

Read More:Does Trump Have the Legal Authority to Strike Iran? An Expert Explains

In the hours after the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes, Russia and China released statements in support of Iran, while Canada, Australia and Ukraine were among those who expressed support for the U.S. and Israel. Several world leaders urged restraint and de-escalation on both sides moving forward.

Here is a round up of what world leaders have said about the operation that has begun war in the Middle East.

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee as the country weighs its response to the attacks and Tehran's retaliation across the Gulf.

It did not participate in the military action, but the country had deployed RAF Typhoons to Qatar to protect the al-Udeid airbase and allied bases across the region.

The UK government on Saturday said in a statement it "does not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict." Still, a government spokesperson emphasized that "Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution."

Starmer released a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and  German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, telling Iran to stop their retaliatory attacks on countries in the Middle East.

"We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms," the joint statement reads. "We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."

Russia

Russia condemned the U.S. and Israel's attack, calling it  "a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state," in a statement from Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministryposted to Telegram.

It accused the U.S. and Israel of  "plunging the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation" and said the attacks could cause a "humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe" in the Middle East.

China

China's Foreign Ministry spokespersonsaid on Xthat "Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected."

"China calls for an immediate stop of the military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East," the statement continued.

France

In addition to the joint statement with the leaders of the United Kingdom and Germany, French President Emmanuel Macronsaid on X, in a post originally in French, that the escalation "is dangerous for all."

"It must stop," he added. "The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good faith in negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional destabilization activities. This is absolutely necessary for the security of all in the Middle East."

He called for an "urgent" meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

European Union

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union's chief executive, saidin a statement on social mediathat the EU has "consistently promoted diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear and ballistic programmes through a negotiated solution.""We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law," she said.

Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney saidin a statement on Xthat Canada supports the U.S. "acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security."

"Canada's position remains clear: The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, has one of the world's worst human rights records and must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons."

Australia

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said in a statement on X that the country backs the U.S. in their military operation.

"We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security," he said.

The country also updated their travel recommendations to "Do Not Travel" for Lebanon and Israel.

Pakistan

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released astatementSaturday condemning what it calls "unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran," as well as retaliatory attacks by "Iran against the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE."

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The Ministry confirmed that a Pakistani national was killed in the UAE during the attacks.

"We urge all sides to refrain from any further actions that may undermine the security and territorial integrity of other regional countries," the statement read.

India

India's Ministry of Foreign affairssaid in a statementthat the country is "deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region."

"We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians," it continues. "Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected."

Spain

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchezcalled on Xfor " immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law," decrying the potential for another "prolonged" war in the Middle East.

"We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order," he said. "We likewise reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard."

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes across the region in a statement.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the U.A.E., Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan,"  the statement reads.

United Arab Emirates

After the UAE was hit by retaliatory strikes from Iran, its Ministry of Foreign Affairscondemnedits neighbor in a statement, calling the strikes a  "flagrant violation of national sovereignty and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations."

"The UAE underscored that it retains its full and legitimate right to respond to these attacks in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity, and ensures the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with international law," the statement continued.

Oman

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidisaid on XSaturday after the attacks that he was "dismayed."

"Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined," said Al Busaidi, who has been a key mediator in recent U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. "Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer."

United Nations

Volker Türk, the UN's Human Rights Commissioner, criticized both the strikes against Iran, and Iran's retaliatory strikes."As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price," he said in a statement on Saturday. "I call for restraint and implore all parties to see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the 'negotiating table' where they had been actively seeking a solution only hours earlier."

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned military action on all sides of the conflict.

"I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability," Guterressaid on X

He also pointed out in the post that the UN's Charter prohibits "the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Iran for being "Putin's accomplice" in a poston X reactingto the escalation.

"It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians."

Albania

Albania Prime Minister Edi Ramasaid on Xthat Albania stands "firm with Israel and with the peace-seeking brotherly Arab countries" and that it supports the United States' military contribution.

"We fully endorse every decisive effort to prevent once and for all the murderers in Tehran from acquiring nuclear or any other military capacity to harm Israel or any other peace-loving nation in the Middle East," Rama said. "Terrorism must be named. And once named, it must be stopped."

Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Trump ally in Europe, immediately expressed concerns for how the strikes would impact oil prices. The strikes, he toldreporters, "doubled the importance of the Friendship oil pipeline," which runs through Ukraine. Shipments of Russian oil have been disrupted since January, and Orbán has accused Ukraine ofimposingan "oil blockade."

Kuwait

Kuwait's Ali Al Salem Air Base, which is used by the U.S. military, was also targeted as part of Iran's military retaliation. Kuwait released a statement condemning the Iranian attacks on their soil and asserted their right to respond to the "brazen attack" via Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Qatar

In similar statements to Kuwait and UAE, Qatar condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks and reaffirmed their own right to respond, as per international law.

"The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation of the targeting of Qatari territory with Iranian ballistic missiles, considering it a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct infringement on its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region," the statement,posted to X, read.

Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salamsaid on Xthat he "will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity."

Contact usatletters@time.com.

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

How the World Is Reacting to the Attack on Iran

A young Iranian protester shouts anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli slogans during an anti-war protest against the U.S. and Israe...

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The US Air Force Is Setting Aside Land For A 'First-Of-Its-Kind' $38 Million Facility

The U.S military is initiating a host of domestic land projects. Ranging fromnew drone testing facilitiesto data centers, many of these projects hope to prepare the country for the changing defense landscape. One U.S. Air Force development looks to cultivate the next generation of leaders in these spaces, as a 16-acre plot at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, is now reserved to build a first-of-its-kind educational facility. Dubbed the STEM Talent Development Complex, the project will deliver high-end STEM education for local grade-schoolers through a 90,750 square-foot complex that'll include research labs, classrooms, community areas, dorms, and event spaces. According to the project's leaders, the massive facility near the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will aim to deliver the next generation of scientists, technicians, and engineers.

Vince Russo, President of Air Camp, one of the future tenants of the facility, wrote in apress releasethat the project hopes to "become a national icon for how STEM talent development is conducted." Joe Sciabica, chair of the building committee, believes the center will prepare students for jobs across a range of sectors, ranging from healthcare and education to engineering and manufacturing. (viaWYSO) Long-term, project planners also hope such projects will boost the local economy, creating a highly skilled workforce capable of incentivizing government and private sector projects to flock to the region (viaDayton Daily News).

As it stands, the Air Force has signed its out-grant license, committing the branch to allocating the 16-acre plot of land for the project. The STEM Talent Development Complex aims to be completed by 2031. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the complex will have a 50-year, no-cost lease.

Read more:5 Activities Banned On The International Space Station

The next generation of STEM leaders

Dayton's lawmakers, educators, and business community hope that the new STEM Talent Development Complex will unite diverse local educational groups to ingratiate STEM training into students' lives at a young age. The project is the brain child of six local action groups, which range from educational to economic. These organizations, many of which are signed on as future tenants, include Dayton Ohio STEM (DO STEM), a nonprofit that helps bridge the gap between students and STEM opportunities, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's Educational Outreach Office, Air Camp Inc., the WPAFB Educational Outreach Program, the Montgomery County Educational Service Center, and the Strategic Ohio Council on Higher Education.

According to Joe Sciabica, who's also the executive director of the Employers' Workforce Coalition, a Dayton-area interest group involved with the project, "The idea is, if we could bring those pieces together under one roof, the sum pieces of the parts could be more than anyone could do by themselves." According to project leaders, the center focuses on giving local grade-schoolers hands-on experience in advanced engineering, science, mathematics, technology, and aerospace projects.

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As Jessica Short, CEO of DO STEM, said at the agreement "We need to start at the earliest age, at three years old. They need to see themselves with a STEM identity. They're engineers. They're problem solvers. They're working toward these types of critical technologies and skills that need to happen in order to be successful in these STEM fields later in the future" (via WYSO).

Delivering the future

The complex is a major step for local educators, lawmakers, and employers looking to boost the region's STEM-focused workforce. At the signing, Joe Sciabica noted the project could create a "STEM pipeline that feeds" the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, encouraging the Air Force to bring more missions to the base. Currently, Wright-Patterson hosts several Air Force missions, including the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

According to Jeff Hoagland, President of the Dayton Development Coalition, developing this STEM-focused work force is also critical to attracting private investment in the region.(via Dayton Daily News). Such investments could be critical, as theU.S. government looks to encourage companies like Apple to increase U.S. production. Building an advanced workforce is essential, as students face anemployment landscape increasingly threatened by AIand autonomous robotics, particularly targeting lower-level white collar and manufacturing jobs.

Building the facility will be no easy task, its partners warn. On the docket for years,  the center will undergo a fundraising process before breaking ground. Project leaders will reportedly look to combine federal, state, and philanthropic funding to construct the new facility. Crowd sourcing for the new center will be conducted through the Dayton Foundation, looking to take pledges to contribute to the construction. The foundation, according to Air Camp President Vincent Russo, will "hold the money" in a charitable trust before transferring it to the project upon its groundbreaking. Organizers hope to raise between $38 and $40 million for the project. As Russo wrote in apress release, "the idea is to generate a large number of donors, with any amount they wish to donate, as a strong statement that the community is supportive of our efforts."

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Read theoriginal article on BGR.

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

The US Air Force Is Setting Aside Land For A 'First-Of-Its-Kind' $38 Million Facility

The U.S military is initiating a host of domestic land projects. Ranging fromnew drone testing facilitiesto data centers,...

Read More

Sharks beat the Oilers 5-4 to snap a 5-game winless streak

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Shakir Mukhamadullin broke a tie midway through the third period and the San Jose Sharks snapped a five-game winless streak by beating the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 on Saturday.

Oilers Sharks Hockey

Mukhamadullin beat Connor Ingram with a slap shot from the point with 10:39 to play to give the Sharks their first victory since Jan. 27 at Vancouver. San Jose had been 0-4-1 since then, starting when the Sharks blew a 3-0 lead in the third period to Edmonton before losing in overtime.

Olympic star Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring for San Jose as he got the best of his matchup against his linemate from Canada in the Olympics, Connor McDavid.

Michael Misa, Barclay Goodrow and Alexander Wennberg also scored for San Jose. Yaroslav Askarov made 20 saves.

Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, Trent Frederic and Jake Walman scored for Edmonton, while McDavid chipped in with three assists to give him an NHL-leading 103 points on the season.

Ingram made 28 saves.

The Oilers tied it wice in the opening eight minutes of the third period with Frederic making it 3-3 off a good feed from Matt Savoie early in the period and Walman answering a goal from Alexander Wennberg to tie it at 4.

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But Mukhamadullin's goal gave San Jose the win.

The Sharks controlled the play for most of the first period and built a 3-1 lead with help from a major miscue Ingram midway through the period. He left his net to retrieve his lost stick after the puck cleared his zone. But San Jose got possession and Celebrini fired the puck into an open net for the first goal of the game.

The Oilers got back within one goal in the second period when they capped a long shift in the offensive zone with a one-timer by Bouchard off a feed from McDavid.

Up next

Oilers: Host Ottawa on Tuesday night.

Sharks: Host Winnipeg on Sunday.

AP NHL:https://apnews.com/hub/nhla

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

Sharks beat the Oilers 5-4 to snap a 5-game winless streak

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Shakir Mukhamadullin broke a tie midway through the third period and the San Jose Sharks snapped ...

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Texas Tech thwarts Iowa State's chances at Big 12 title, NCAA No. 1 seed with 82-73 win

No. 4 Iowa State's chances at a Big 12 regular-season title and No. 1 seed in the NCAA men's basketball tournament suffered a setback withan 82-73 lossto No. 16 Texas Tech on Saturday.

The Red Raiders won their third straight game sincelosing star forward JT Toppinto a torn ACL injury in a loss to Arizona State on Feb. 17. Texas Tech shot 58% from the floor and 48% (14-for-29) on 3-pointers.

Donovan Atwell led the Red Raiders with 18 points, scoring all of his points from the 3-point line. Christian Anderson followed with 14 points and 7 assists, helping boost Texas Tech's record to 12-4 in the Big 12 (and 22-7 overall).

Texas Tech appeared to have the game in hand, holding a 79-62 lead with 1:35 remaining in regulation after two consecutive baskets by Anderson. However, Iowa State followed with a late surge, going on an 11-0 run. The Cyclones were helped by a bad pass from Anderson, leading to a turnover and Milan Momcilovic 3-pointer. That cut the deficit to 79-73 with 42 seconds left in the game.

On the Red Raiders' ensuing possession, Jaylen Wells' pass was picked off by Joshua Jefferson, giving Iowa State a chance to close to within three points. But Momcilovic missed a 3-point try and Texas Tech finished off the win making three free throws off Iowa State fouls.

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Jefferson scored 22 points for the Cyclones, along with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Momcilovic added 20 points, hitting 5-of-9 3-pointers.

With the defeat, Iowa State's record dropped to 11-5 in the Big 12 and 24-5 overall. The Cyclones could conceivably still play a role in deciding the conference title, facing Arizona on Monday. However, playing spoiler is surely not what T.J. Otzelberger's squad had in mind.

Last Saturday, Iowa State was the No. 4 teamamong the top 16 releasedby the NCAA tournament selection committee. Since those rankings were released, the Cyclones have lost to BYU and Texas Tech. That may have opened an opportunity for Houston (24-5, 12-4 conference) to get a No. 1 NCAA tournament seed, though it came in at No. 6 in the committee's rankings.

Texas Tech may have lifted itself into a top-four finish in the conference, which would lead to a bye through the first two rounds of the Big 12 tournament and an automatic berth in the quarterfinals.

No. 2 Arizona clinched a share of the Big 12 regular-season championship on Saturday withan 84-61 winover No. 14 Kansas. The Wildcats face Iowa State and Colorado (6-10 conference) to close out their schedule and will likely be the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, which begins March 10.

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

Texas Tech thwarts Iowa State's chances at Big 12 title, NCAA No. 1 seed with 82-73 win

No. 4 Iowa State's chances at a Big 12 regular-season title and No. 1 seed in the NCAA men's basketball tourna...

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A spring reset for Deion Sanders: Warren Sapp resigns, Chris Marve hired as defensive coordinator

Colorado coachDeion Sandersis putting the finishing touches on his coaching-staff makeover with spring practice starting Monday. He will be without one of his good friends, too.

Hall of Fame defensive linemanWarren Sappannounced his resignation to "pursue other opportunities," the school said in a statement. "CU athletics thanks Warren for his contributions to our football program over the last two seasons and for his commitment to our student-athletes."

Sapp was the defensive pass rush coordinator for the Buffaloes last season.

Sanders promoted Chris Marve to the role of defensive coordinator following the departure of Robert Livingston, who recently took a job with the Denver Broncos as their passing game coordinator and secondary coach. Livingston spent two seasons with the Buffaloes, including the year Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout.

Marve was the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Virginia Tech from 2022-24. He took a job with Colorado in December as the linebackers coach.

"Chris Marve was hired with the knowledge that he could one day advance considering his history and experience if the opportunity was presented," Sanders said in a statement Saturday. "He's a teacher, a motivator and a man of great character."

It's been a busy offseason on the coaching front for Sanders. In December, he hired offensive guruBrennan Marionto instill a high-octane scheme Marion termed the "Go-Go" offense.

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The Buffaloes now feature a Black head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators for the first time in program history, the school announced.

"I'm excited to get on the field Monday with these two extraordinary coordinators that will uplift our program on and off the field," said Sanders, whose team finished 3-9 last season.

Other additions to the staff include Vonn Bell, a longtime NFL player who will be an analyst and help with the safeties.

Dante Carter steps in as the defensive line coach for Domata Peko, who left to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Fletcher will oversee the cornerbacks, while Justin Houlihan serves as an analyst in addition to helping out with the quarterbacks.

Johnnie Mack will take over the running backs forMarshall Faulk, who was hired as the head coach at Southern University. Clancy Pendergast was brought on board as a senior analyst. He will also help with the linebackers.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP college football:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-football

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

A spring reset for Deion Sanders: Warren Sapp resigns, Chris Marve hired as defensive coordinator

Colorado coachDeion Sandersis putting the finishing touches on his coaching-staff makeover with spring practice starting ...

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How we got here: Months after Operation Midnight Hammer, the US strikes Iran again

Last summer, the United States struck several nuclear weapons facilities in Iran.

In the wake of the strikes, carried out by the highly advanced American B-2 bombers, President Donald Trump declared that the Iranian regime's nuclear capabilities had been "obliterated."

However, questions arose in the wake of the strikes about what was actually destroyed.

MORE: Iran live updates: Trump announces 'major combat operations'; could last for days

In the intervening months, the U.S. has tried to negotiate with the Iranian regime to reach a nuclear deal and Trump has repeatedly threatened the regime.

Recently, the administration began to float a potential strike, while maintaining that the nuclear program had been "obliterated," leaving the justification for doing so unclear. In his address after Saturday's strikes, Trump mentioned "imminent threats from the Iranian regime," missile and nuclear capabilities as well as regime change.

Iran has stated numerous times that it doesn't want nuclear weapons but believes it has the right to use nuclear power for civilian purpose.

A recent Defense Intelligence Agency memo suggested Iran was looking to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035, but Trump suggested missiles could be capable of reaching the U.S. "soon."

MORE: Trump starkly warns of potential US casualties in 'massive ongoing operation' to stop Iranian regime

Here's how the events have unfolded.

June 12, 2025:Israel launches a series of preemptive strikes against Iran, hitting military targets including the nuclear program. A dayslong conflict erupts.

June 22, 2025:U.S. launches Operation Midnight Hammer, with more than 100 planes, including seven B-2 stealth bombers, targeting three nuclear sites in Iran. In the wake of the strike, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the country's nuclear ambitions were "obliterated."

Hegseth said at the time that the scope of the operation was "intentionally limited" to give the Iranians a chance to negotiate and the attack was not about "regime change." At the same time, Israel said that it struck "dozens of military sites" in Iran.

Trump floated the idea of regime change at the time writing on Truth Social - "It's not politically correct to use the term, "Regime Change," but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???"

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December 2025-January 2026:Protests break out in Iran that become widespread. The protests turn deadly, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) saying that thousands were killed. Trump threated to hit the regime "hard" if protesters were killed.

MORE: US-Israeli operation against Iran was in the works for months, IDF says

Jan. 26, 2026:Trump tells Axios that Iran "wants to make a deal." "They were going to hang 837 people, and I told them, if you do it, you're going to pay a price like nobody's ever paid before. They pulled back. I appreciated that, but a lot of people have been killed. So, we'll see what happens. I can say this. They do want to make a deal," he said.

Jan. 28, 2026:Trump says on Truth Social that a "massive armada is heading to Iran" and "Hopefully Iran will quickly "Come to the Table" and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS." He further warned that "he next attack will be far worse" than Midnight Hammer.

Jan. 30:Trump says Iran wants to make a deal.

Feb. 3:A U.S. official confirms talks are tentatively scheduled to take place in Turkey.

Feb. 4:Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. is ready for Iran talks but "they will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, that includes their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region, that includes a nuclear program, and that includes the treatment of their own people."

Feb. 6:U.S. and Iran engage in indirect talks in Oman. After the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called them a "good start" according to state media.

Feb. 11:Vice President JD Vance says he wants a deal with Iran, but "if we can't cut that deal, then there's another option on the table." He said regime change was "up to the Iranian people."

Feb. 13:Trump says regime change is the "best thing that could happen." He urged Iran to make a deal. "I will say they wanted to talk, but so far, they do a lot of talking, and no action," he said.

MORE: 'Serious moment': Reactions pour in from Congress after Trump strikes Iran

Feb. 19:Trump gives Iran 15 days "maximum" to make a deal. "We're either going to get a deal or it's going to be unfortunate for them," he said.

Feb. 24:During the State of the Union speech, Trump issued a stark warning to the Iranian regime. "They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America," Trump said. Trump insisted that Iran would not agree to not pursue a nuclear weapon. He said "no nation should ever doubt America's resolve."

Feb. 26:The U.S. and Iran hold high stakes talks in Geneva. The administration said that it wanted a full stop to Iranian uranium enrichment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the regime posed a "threat" and "you can see them always trying to rebuild elements of" the nuclear program. Vance says there is "no chance" of a drawn out war.

Feb. 27:Trump says he is "not happy" with negotiations with Iran. "I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have." But he said a final decision had not been made as to whether to strike. Earlier in the day, it was announced that Rubio would travel to Israel on Monday and Tuesday.

Feb. 28:The U.S. launches Operation Epic Fury, which Trump called "major combat operations" alongside Israel. Trump justified the attacks to "defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime." He also called on the Iranian people to rise up and depose the regime. Trump has not provided evidence of the threats posed by Iran and did not seek the approval of Congress.

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

How we got here: Months after Operation Midnight Hammer, the US strikes Iran again

Last summer, the United States struck several nuclear weapons facilities in Iran. In the wake of the strikes, ...

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Jackson Jobe injury: Tigers prospect plots 'important innings' after Tommy John surgery

LAKELAND, FL –Detroit Tigersright-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe offered an encouraging update on his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

Jobe is going through a long-toss rehab program, progressively throwing longer distances – he is up to 105 feet, three times a week. And he said could start throwing bullpens off a mound in about six weeks.

"I think it's like, starting in mid-April, is when I'll be on the mound," Jobe told reporters on Saturday, Feb. 28.

ON THE MOUND:Jackson Jobe injury update: Detroit Tigers expect MLB return in 2026

After he completes the long-toss program, he will start throwing bullpens.

"Then it'll be a few lives and rehab outings," Jobe said. "I think it'll just depend on how sharp I'm feeling, how quickly I can get my feel back. But as it stands right now, I feel pretty normal, which is kind of weird, but guess I'll take it."

MLB spring training 2026: Sunshine, good vibes in Arizona and Florida

When a reporter asked if Jobe could be pitching for the Tigers sooner than September, Jobe said: "What we have drawn up is quicker than that, for sure."

But he offered no date.

"I obviously want to be smart about it," he said. "I guess I probably shouldn't say when we have in mind, just in case it doesn't happen. But I'm feeling pretty optimistic that I will be throwing some important innings this year."

Jobelast pitched for the Tigers on May 28; heunderwent surgery June 16to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

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The Tigers have been vague about when he might return, which is not surprising considering every rehab is different.

"We expect him to be back in 2026," president of baseball operationsScott Harrissaid Monday, Dec. 8, at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. "It's hard to forecast the actual date, but we expect it to be a boost for our roster in the second half."

"Knock on wood – everything's been going as well as it could," Jobe said Saturday. "I'm just trying to keep it that way and not change a thing. The program that we have has been great."

Jobe – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft – has a locker in the Tigers clubhouse in TigerTown. He has been encouraged by other pitchers who have been through Tommy John – and had success after the surgery. He also has been getting tips and advice from Justin Verlander, who is teaching him how to work hard, but also how to rest and recover.

Still, Jobe is bothered about missing the start of the season.

"It sucks that I'm not going to be there for the beginning," Jobe said. "Honestly, it really does suck, but I think we'll be doing something special towards the end of the year that I can hopefully be a part of and really add to."

Jobe said that he has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery.

"We're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now," Jobe said.

"Seems like you are almost out of the tunnel," a reporter said.

"Fingers crossed," Jobe said, smiling.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press:Jackson Jobe injury report, Tigers top prospect back before September?

byAlpha World

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

Jackson Jobe injury: Tigers prospect plots 'important innings' after Tommy John surgery

LAKELAND, FL –Detroit Tigersright-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe offered an encouraging update on his rehab from Tommy John ...

Read More