Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that he directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to increase control of Gaza to 70%. Speaking at a conference on Thursday, he said, "We are currently squeezing Hamas; we now control 60 percent of the territory of the Strip " you know this. We were at 50, we moved to 60. My directive is to move to," he said before pausing as someone in the crowd said, "100". read more
The US and Iran still need to work out several sticking points before an agreement on the war can be reached, Vice-President JD Vance has said. Asked by the BBC if President Donald Trump was close to signing a deal, Vance said it was too early to say "when or if" the two sides would finalise an agreement. The deal would reportedly extend the ceasefire for 60 days and launch talks on the future of Iran's nuclear programme. read more
A video has gone viral of US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr picking up a pair of writhing snakes with his bare hands ... read more
Oil prices have jumped after the US carried out new attacks on Iran, targeting a military site in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city. The US Central Command (Centcom) said its forces also shot down four Iranian drones "that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz". Global oil benchmark Brent rose by 3.75% to $97.83 (73.15) a barrel, while US-traded crude was 4% higher at $92.22. read more
A former US government official has been arrested after FBI investigators found hundreds of gold bars worth more than $40 million in his Virginia home. David Rush made several requests to the US government to receive the bars for "work-related expenses" over the past year, according to court documents. He has been charged with criminal theft of public money in a complaint filed last week. read more
Better question is why tax estates and inheritances of any size.
Because golden battleships are expensive.