One of the pilots killed in the Air Canada plane crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport has been identified as Antoine Forest, a 30-year-old aviator early in his career.Forrest was among two killed in Sunday’s late-night collision, which also injured dozens of passengers and crew members, in what authorities have described as a major aviation incident.

Young pilot at the beginning of his career

Forrest worked for Jazz Aviation, which operates regional flights under the Air Canada Express brand. He was part of the crew on Flight 8646, which had taken off from Montreal and was attempting to land when the accident occurred.Describing the damage, US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Brian Bedford said:“These were two young guys at the beginning of their careers so it’s an absolute tragedy.”The Air Line Pilots Association also paid tribute to both pilots, calling their deaths a “serious tragedy” and praising their dedication to passenger safety.

What happened at LaGuardia Airport?

The accident occurred late Sunday night at New York’s LaGuardia Airport when an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft collided with a fire truck on the runway.According to officials, both the plane and the emergency vehicle were cleared by air traffic control – putting them on a collision course.The plane carrying 72 passengers and four crew members collided with a truck during landing. The impact killed both pilots and injured dozens of people, including two Port Authority workers on the ground.The explosion of equipment inside the plane caused chaos, while photographs from the scene showed the plane badly damaged on the runway.

Injuries and emergency response

About 40 people were taken to hospital, most with minor injuries, and many were released by Monday morning. However, some individuals, including emergency responders, suffered serious injuries.Fire brigade and emergency services rushed to the scene, with multiple units deployed to control the situation and assist passengers.

investigation underway

Authorities, including the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched a full investigation of the accident.Preliminary evidence, including air traffic control audio, suggests that confusion over runway clearance may have played a role. Experts say the main focus will be on communication between controllers and ground vehicles.Aviation experts note that such incidents typically result from multiple factors rather than a single cause.

Industry under scrutiny

The crash comes at a time when the U.S. aviation system faces increasing pressures, including staffing shortages and widespread safety concerns among air traffic controllers.The incident caused the temporary closure of LaGuardia Airport, causing mass flight cancellations and delays.Forrest’s death has been mourned by the entire aviation industry, with colleagues remembering him as a committed professional whose life and career were tragically cut short.

Concrete has been the backbone of construction for centuries. Roads, bridges, skyscrapers and they all rely on the same old inert materials. It is tough, durable and predictable. But a new material is quietly challenging that norm. It grows, breathes and even heals its own cracks. Scientists have created a living wall material that behaves more like a miniature ecosystem than traditional building blocks. It looks almost like science fiction, yet it has already been used in large-scale installations. Unlike regular concrete, this material continues to change over time. It takes in carbon, manufactures itself and responds to its environment. And while it may not replace concrete tomorrow, it signals a very different future for architecture.

Inside the Canada Pavilion: Walls that live, breathe and require daily care

According to ArchDaily, at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, visitors to the Canada Pavilion noticed something unusual. The walls were soft, textured, almost organic. They weren’t just for show, these structures, called picoplanktonics, contained living cyanobacteria. This meant that the installation required daily care. Light, temperature, humidity, it all has to be just right. If the germs failed, the structure itself would become weak. The pavilion was more like a greenhouse than a building. It seems strange to think that a wall needs attention, but that’s what makes this concept exciting. Architecture that lives. Architecture that breathes.So how does it actually work? Tiny cyanobacteria sit inside a printable hydrogel. They photosynthesize, converting sunlight and carbon dioxide into biomass. Over time, they grow and expand, gradually replacing the material around them. Within a month, the samples gained about 36% more mass than lifeless controls. That growth is the result of two processes. One is simple biological evolution. The second is microbially induced carbonate precipitation or MICP. Microorganisms create alkaline conditions that convert dissolved ions into solid minerals. Over time, those minerals accumulate and strengthen the structure from within. As we age, the walls actually harden.

The surprising role of carbon capture and size in living walls

This stuff does more than just self-repair. It captures carbon. According to research published in Nature, ‘Dual carbon sequestration with photosynthetic living materials’‘, Initial tests showed that the hydrogel absorbed about 2.2 milligrams of CO₂ per gram in the first month. This may not seem like much. But after more than a year, the total stored carbon reached about 26 milligrams per gram, mostly in stable mineral form. It works slowly. Experts note that industrial systems are faster, but they also require energy and chemicals. This living wall works on sunlight and wind. That simplicity can be valuable if it can be extended. Buildings can passively help fight climate change while still performing their normal functions.A surprising finding is that size affects performance. Flat blocks of hydrogel are not ideal. They block light, limit air flow and reduce bacterial activity. So researchers tried lattice structures, porous forms, even coral-inspired textures. Some designs increased volume while maintaining surface area. This gave the cyanobacteria present inside a chance to remain active and healthy. The pavilion’s unusual form was not just for aesthetics. Every curve, every hole was functional. Living materials require space, light, and exchange to survive.

Former Google executive Matt Brittin is set to become the next director general of the BBC, according to multiple media reports, including The Times, which says the broadcaster’s board has approved his appointment. However, there has been no official confirmation from the BBC yet.If confirmed, Brittin will replace Tim Davey, who is due to step down in early April, with an interim arrangement expected before Brittin formally takes over. His selection highlights a notable change for the BBC, bringing in a leader from a technology and digital background rather than traditional broadcasting.

A technology leader who has worked at Google for nearly two decades

Matt Brittin, 57, spent nearly 20 years at Google, joining the company in 2007 and rising through the ranks to become president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in 2014. In that role, he oversaw one of the company’s largest regional operations and played a key role during a period of increased regulatory scrutiny and rapid digital transformation.He resigned from Google at the end of 2024, describing the time thereafter as a “mini gap year”.Before Google, Brittin worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company and held senior roles at Trinity Mirror, one of the UK’s largest newspaper publishers.

Education and personal life

Born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, Brittin was educated at Hampton School before studying land economics and geography at the University of Cambridge. He later obtained an MBA with Distinction from the London Business School.He was the first person in his family to go to university. Brittin married Kathryn Bates in 1995, and the couple have two sons. Known as a fan of classic British television and science fiction, he has previously cited shows such as Doctor Who as one of his favourites.

what does he say about himself

On his LinkedIn profile, Brittin describes himself as “tall, energetic, British” and humorously adds that he is “above average at the game of sitting.” He has also described himself as a “gap year student” and a “part-time athlete”.He has expressed interest in “tech for good”, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence for positive impact.After leaving Google, he said he planned to spend time reading, learning new skills, and even trying activities like scuba diving.

Sports background: Olympians and sailors

Brittin has a strong sporting background in rowing. He represented Great Britain at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and won a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships. He also participated three times in the Historic Boat Race for Cambridge University.

Board roles and honors

In addition to his corporate career, Brittin has held a number of board and advisory roles, including The Climate Group, Media Trust and a non-executive directorship at Sainsbury’s. He is also associated with Guardian Media Group.In recognition of his contributions to technology and digital skills, he was awarded a CBE in the UK New Year Honours.

A different kind of BBC leader

If his appointment is confirmed, Brittin will be one of the few BBC directors general to come from outside the traditional media and editorial ranks. His digital and platform experience is considered particularly relevant as the BBC faces increasing competition from global streaming services and tech-driven platforms.His leadership will also come at a crucial time, amid debate over the BBC’s funding model, its future charter and its role in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder after three people were found dead inside a camper in Robeson County, North Carolina, in a case authorities have described as a “senseless and tragic” triple murder.Deputies responded to a property on Melinda Road near Pembroke early Sunday morning after a report of two bodies inside a camper. Upon arrival, they found a third person dead at the scene.Authorities have identified the victims as 28-year-old Tristan Goins of Maxton, 51-year-old Howard Dean Jones of Lumberton and 35-year-old Ashley Ann Jacobs of Pembroke. Their bodies have been sent for autopsies to determine the exact cause of death.

Suspect arrested after standoff

The suspect, Ethan Lee Spaulding (27), was arrested later the same day after a brief standoff with police at an apartment complex in Red Springs. Authorities said he eventually surrendered without further incident.Spaulding is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharging a weapon within an enclosure to cause fear. He is currently being held without bond in a detention facility.Sheriff Bernice Wilkins said investigators believe illegal narcotics may have played a role in the killings, calling the case part of a disturbing pattern of drug-related violence in the area.“The devastation caused by illegal drugs is impacting families and communities in Robeson County,” he said, adding that officers are committed to combating such crimes.The investigation is continuing with the assistance of federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as they continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the murders.

A migrant who was granted asylum in Britain after coming out as gay has admitted leaving a wife and child behind in his homeland Cameroon.When 35-year-old Marius Kamana first traveled to Britain from Cameroon on a temporary visa to attend the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, few would have expected him to seek asylum. Instead of contributing to the discussion on environmental issues, he applied for refugee protection, saying he was gay. He later settled in Wales and got a job as a heavy goods vehicle mechanic.Kamna’s claim of homosexuality was accepted by the British asylum panel and she was granted refugee status. However, when he applied for asylum he did not mention that he had a wife and son in Cameroon. It was later revealed that he knew about them at the time but decided not to tell the authorities.Thousands of asylum seekers have based their claims on their sexual orientation, and in some cases may involve people exploiting the system. In the case of Kama, the wife’s revelation may fit this pattern. But Kamna still says that her situation is more complex.

‘Always been gay’

Speaking to the Daily Mail in Cardiff, where he works, he explained that he “has always been gay” and that his marriage in Cameroon was an attempt to escape homophobia in his home country. Cameroon is known for its harsh treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, where discrimination, stigma, and legal punishment are still common.Kamna initially described herself as bisexual. He later corrected that statement: “No, that’s not true, I’m gay. I’ve been like that since I was 15 or 16.” Kamna said that she spent many years hiding her true identity.Kamana said her marriage was arranged in Cameroon to regain the respect of her parents, who had disowned her when they discovered her sexuality. “My parents threw me out of the house and the marriage was arranged to regain their respect,” he said. He said he apologized and even bribed an officer to complete the paperwork. Although she is gay, Kamana admits that she married, which led to the birth of her son Emmanuel, now seven years old.Although she has not seen her son since leaving Cameroon, Kamana said she keeps in touch by phone and sends money to her child’s mother to help her. Kamna said that when she was invited to the Glasgow conference, she got the chance to stay in Britain legally and start a new life, even if it meant leaving her family behind.Kamna said that an argument with neighbors in their shared house led to the police being called and he has now moved to a new house in Newport. She said her current partner is a gay man from Africa and she is happy living in Britain. “When you come here you have to do everything right because you don’t want to go back,” he said.

Rama Duwaji’s artwork, published in February by Slow Factory alongside Diana Islaih’s essay on the Gaza displacement camp, has triggered a political backlash in New York City and raised questions about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office.The illustration depicts a woman’s face, painted in black and white, with full eyebrows arched above a sharp nose, almond-shaped eyes and two outstretched hands. The essay was part of an anthology of essays edited by Palestinian-American writer Susan Abulhawa, CNN reported.Key City Hall staffers did not know whether Duwaji, the city’s new first lady, had been commissioned to create the artwork or about Abulhawa’s post, according to two people briefed on the matter, which was first reported by the conservative Washington Free Beacon earlier this month.Abulhawa has referred to Israeli forces as “Jewish supremacist monsters” and described Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack as “a spectacular moment that shocked the world”, which he described as a “criminally merciless siege of Gaza by Israel”.While Duwaji has not commented publicly, Mamdani spoke out against Abulhawa’s language and said that Duwaji’s independent work was protected through a third party, that Duwaji was not in direct communication with the author and that he was not aware of Abulhawa’s posts.Mamdani said on March 13, in reference to Abulhawa, “I think that rhetoric is obviously unacceptable. I think it’s reprehensible.”The people briefed on the episode, who declined to be named so as not to upset the mayor, argued that the reaction raised questions about whether his work should be scrutinized more closely.Scott Richman, New York regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said, “The mayor condemned the author’s language, which is to his credit.” “However, we have not heard from them. Do they have any problems with the author and his statements? We just don’t know.”Abulhawa denied that he was anti-Semitic and said he was disappointed by what Mamdani said.“You have capitulated to the forces that want to manipulate you, your talented, beautiful wife, and your work, and apply even more pressure with each apology or concession you make,” he said. “If you’re not careful, they’ll take away your soul before you even realize it.”The subsequent revelations came from pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel posts shared and liked by Duwaji. They went unnoticed during Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, but now there is new scrutiny for both of them, especially as Mamdani faces suspicion from many in the city’s Jewish community, the largest of any city outside Israel.Mamdani said at a press conference earlier this month that Duwaji, a Texas-born professional artist of Syrian descent, is a “private person who has held no formal position in my campaign or my City Hall.”His colleagues and allies argue that a double standard has been applied to the city’s first Muslim mayor and one of the most prominent Muslims in politics, arguing that much of the criticism against him is manufactured and motivated by Islamophobia. But both the mayor and first lady have long focused their public lives on pro-Palestine advocacy.

The UAE successfully intercepted 16 drones and 7 ballistic missiles fired by Iran today / Image: File

The UAE Defense Ministry confirmed that its air defense systems successfully intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 16 drones launched towards the country on March 23, 2026.In a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency, the ministry said the move was part of an ongoing response to repeated air threats amid rising regional tensions.Officials clarified that the loud noises heard in parts of the UAE were due to mid-air interception, as defense systems had neutralized incoming targets before impact.Residents were urged to remain calm and follow official safety instructions.

Drone attacks are happening again and again united arab emirates

The incident of March 23 is not alone. Over the past week, several similar attacks have been reported:

This pattern highlights the steady increase in aerial threats, to which UAE systems respond almost daily.

total interceptions so far

According to official figures, UAE air defenses have intercepted since the beginning of what officials describe as “blatant aggression”:

The attacks led to:

In a recent incident, falling debris from intercepted missiles also caused injuries on the ground, highlighting secondary risks even after successful interception.

regional conflict explained

This increase is related to tensions related to Iran, a country located in West Asia. middle east), north of the Arabian Gulf and east of Iraq. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the missile and drone launches, either directly or through Iran-aligned groups, are targeting several countries across the region. The United Arab Emirates, due to its strategic location, global trade centers and economic infrastructure, remains a prime target.

safety advice

Officials have issued clear public safety instructions during these events:

Officials stressed that all necessary measures are being taken to protect civilians, infrastructure and national security, while reaffirming readiness to respond to any further threats.

broader context

The repeated missile and drone launches are linked to a broader regional conflict involving Iran and allied groups, with attacks targeting several countries in the Middle East. The UAE, due to its strategic and economic importance, remains a prime target, but its air defense systems have so far successfully intercepted most incoming threats, preventing massive damage.

Moments before an Air Canada passenger plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday, an air traffic controller admitted in heartbreaking audio that he “messed up.”“The truck was cleared to cross the airport’s Runway 4 before air traffic controllers requested the Miami-bound Frontier aircraft and vehicle to stop.“Wait, wait, wait, wait,” the controller demanded frantically. “Truck 1, stop, stop, stop. Stop Truck 1. Stop.”The controller ordered Delta Flight 2603, arriving from Detroit, to turn around before turning back toward the Air Canada plane, a flight operated by Jazz Aviation that had landed in Montreal, the New York Post reported.“Jazz 646, I see you have collided with a vehicle. Just hold your position. I know you can’t move. The vehicles are now responding to you,” the air traffic controller said.Air traffic controllers told the Frontier crew that the runway would be closed, and asked if they would like to return to the ramp.Frontier pilots said, “We got stuff for a guy who didn’t look good.”“Yes, I tried to reach them… and we were dealing with an emergency and I messed up,” the controller replied.“No, you did your best,” the Frontier crew said, trying to reassure the air traffic controller.The jet’s pilot and co-pilot were killed, sources told The Post, and photos showed the CRJ-900 aircraft tilting in the air.The plane, which was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, was traveling about 24 mph when it collided with the truck, which was responding to an emergency involving another aircraft.Eleven passengers and two first responders aboard the Air Canada plane were hospitalized, officials told ABC News.According to CBS News, moments before the crash, United 2384 pilots aborted takeoff because an anti-ice warning light appeared on the dash. Pilots reported a foul smell in the cabin which caused flight attendants to feel sick.