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Kyiv hit as peace talks stall; Iran tensions roil Qatar and the Strait of Hormuz, stoking inflation—while Texas bans intoxicating hemp, doctors warn on drugs and stroke risk, Ice Cube sweeps the Razzies, and a U.S. worker allegedly nabs lottery rolls

Russian strikes kill at least four in Kyiv region as peace talks stall

Russian overnight strikes hit four districts in Ukraine’s Kyiv region, damaging homes, schools, businesses, and critical infrastructure, regional authorities said. At least four people were killed and at least 15 were wounded as peace talks remained stalled.

Qatar Intercepts Overnight Iranian Missiles as Doha Announces Evacuations and Reviews Supply Preparedness

Qatar said it intercepted missiles overnight in an attack attributed to Iran, while Doha ordered precautionary evacuations amid escalating regional tensions. Officials activated emergency preparedness measures and told residents that supply chains and essential goods distribution remain secure.

Ice Cube’s “War of the Worlds” Wins Five Razzie Awards

Ice Cube’s “War of the Worlds” was the biggest loser at the 2025 Razzie Awards, announced early Saturday, taking home five trophies.

Hegseth Says There Is No Need to Worry About the Strait of Hormuz

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed concerns that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war—an event that has driven up oil prices—will remain a long-term problem for the United States or the global economy, saying officials are handling it and there is no need to worry.

Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Drive Wider Inflation

Here comes Hormuz inflation: the war with Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz are creating shipping bottlenecks that are pushing up prices beyond oil. With the strait also serving as a major route for helium and fertilizer, industries ranging from semiconductors and medical imaging to agriculture and even children’s party balloons are facing new cost spikes.

How Popular Recreational Drugs Affect Stroke Risk

A review analyzing health data from more than 100 million people found that recreational drug use is associated with higher stroke risk, with the increase varying by substance. The analysis reported higher risk estimates for amphetamines (about 122% higher) and cocaine (about 96% higher), and a smaller increase linked to cannabis (about 37%). In people under 55, the study found amphetamines were associated with roughly triple the risk, cocaine with about a 97% increase, and cannabis with about a 14% increase. Using Mendelian randomization, the researchers argue the findings support a more direct connection between drug use disorders and stroke, though the study does not prove definitive causation; it did not find a statistically significant link for opioids.

U.S. gas station worker accused of stealing rolls of lottery tickets

A Speedway gas station employee in Greenville, South Carolina, Kelvin Sferrazza, 37, was arrested Thursday after allegedly stealing two $50 rolls of lottery tickets while on the job Tuesday at the station on Stantonsburg Road. He faces two counts of larceny by an employee and was jailed without bond due to pending charges in Pitt and Beaufort counties.

Texas to Ban Intoxicating Hemp Flower Starting March 31

Texas will prohibit intoxicating smokable hemp products effective March 31 under newly finalized rules from the Department of State Health Services. The changes also raise licensing fees for hemp retailers and manufacturers and are expected to significantly disrupt the state’s hemp industry.

UAE minister says Iran should not be able to disrupt the global economy

UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh told Euronews that Iran’s actions should not be allowed to threaten global economic stability, urging the international community to respond to what she described as Iran’s destabilizing behavior.

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