Signal Leak Exposes US Airstrike Plans Tied to Israeli Intelligence

A significant security breach occurred when sensitive details about a US airstrike on Yemen were accidentally revealed in a Signal group chat that included a journalist. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the information was based on Israeli intelligence from a human source inside Yemen. The intelligence identified a senior Houthi missile expert who became the target of the US strike on March 15. The breach happened when National Security Adviser Mike Waltz inadvertently added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat, revealing operational details and timelines. Despite the White House downplaying the incident by asserting that the information wasn’t classified, multiple officials, including Israeli counterparts, have privately expressed concerns over the exposure.

Sources: Times of Israel

Judge Orders Trump Administration to Preserve Leaked Yemen Airstrike Records

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to preserve Signal group chat records related to sensitive discussions about a U.S. military operation in Yemen. Chief Judge James E. Boasberg directed several key agencies—including the Defense Department, CIA, and National Archives—to safeguard all Signal communications between March 11 and March 15.

Sources: The Washington Post

Arrest of Istanbul Mayor Sparks Nationwide Protests and Press Crackdown in Turkey

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has ignited Turkey's largest anti-government protests in over a decade, leading to nearly 1,900 detentions and international condemnation. Imamoglu, who was jailed pending trial on corruption charges, was also recently disqualified from presidential candidacy after his university diploma was annulled. Many opposition figures, rights groups, and Western governments view the charges as politically motivated, accusing Ankara of attempting to sideline a major electoral threat. The government insists the judiciary acted independently and cited the gravity of the allegations. The unrest has also resulted in a press freedom controversy, including the temporary detention of seven journalists and the deportation of BBC correspondent Mark Lowen, whom authorities labeled a "threat to public order." Turkey's media regulator RTUK has penalized several opposition TV channels for allegedly inciting unrest through their coverage.

Sources: Reuters

Putin Proposes Temporary Administration in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Peace Efforts

Putin suggested on Friday that Ukraine could be placed under a temporary international administration to oversee new elections and facilitate peace talks, according to Russian news agencies. Speaking during a visit to Murmansk, Putin framed the idea as a solution to his longstanding argument that Ukraine's current government, led by President Zelensky, lacks legitimacy due to the expiration of his official mandate under Ukrainian law. The proposal comes amid U.S. efforts to mediate the conflict through separate negotiations with both Kyiv and Moscow, though no major breakthroughs have emerged. The U.S. and European leaders, however, continue to back Ukraine's existing government, with the White House reaffirming that Ukraine's governance is solely determined by its people and constitution.

Sources: Reuters

Lululemon CEO Says Consumers Are Pulling Back on Spending

Lululemon Athletica reported record annual revenue and net income for 2024 but revealed signs of weakness in its core U.S. market as consumers pull back on discretionary spending amid economic uncertainty. The Canadian athleisure brand achieved $10.6 billion in revenue, up 10% year-over-year, and $1.8 billion in net income, a 17% rise. However, same-store sales in its Americas division stagnated in the fourth quarter and declined 1% for the full year, with store traffic in early 2025 continuing to slip. CEO Calvin McDonald attributed the trend to rising consumer anxiety over inflation and the broader economy, exacerbated by President Trump’s tariffs on China, Mexico, and other trading partners. The company warned that gross margins will likely decline further if tariffs expand as planned. Investors reacted swiftly, with shares dropping 10% in after-hours trading. The trend reflects broader consumer caution, as other retailers like Nike also reported unexpected revenue slowdowns.

Sources: Financial Times

Robinhood Shifts Focus From Meme Stocks to Wealth Management

Robinhood, once synonymous with the meme-stock frenzy and zero-commission trading, is repositioning itself to serve its maturing user base by expanding into wealth management and premium financial services. The company announced plans to launch tools including custom investment portfolios, bank accounts, and estate planning features, all designed to appeal to clients whose financial needs are evolving beyond speculative trading. Robinhood’s median customer age has increased from 31 to 35 in the past five years, reflecting this shift. Some services will still target younger users, offering unconventional perks like discounted helicopter rides and private event access for premium bank account holders. More traditional offerings include managed investment accounts, tax advice, and a forthcoming AI-driven investment tool named Robinhood Cortex. The platform is positioning itself to compete directly with established wealth managers like Schwab and Fidelity while retaining its app-based, tech-first appeal.

Sources: The Wall Street Journal