FC Porto’s Epic Comeback, Benfica Crashes Out in European Handball League

 

FC Porto’s Epic Comeback, Benfica Crashes Out in European Handball League

In the European Handball League, FC Porto pulled off a dramatic comeback, while Benfica suffered a heavy home defeat — leaving the two clubs with very different fortunes in the competition.

On Tuesday night, Porto and Benfica experienced opposite outcomes. Porto celebrated euphorically after overturning a deficit in the final moments against Skanderborg, having trailed for most of the second half.

The match in Denmark began evenly, with the “Dragões” holding their own in the opening minutes. However, they soon fell behind by four points before rallying to level the score near the end of the first half. The teams went into halftime tied at 13 goals, after a strong Nordic response in the closing minutes.

The home side needed a win to secure direct qualification to the quarterfinals, skipping the round of 16. But in the end, it was Porto who triumphed at the buzzer, scoring the decisive goal in the dying seconds. The victory not only sealed first place in Group 2 — ahead of Elverum on head-to-head record — but also guaranteed Porto a spot among the top eight teams in this year’s European Handball League.

Ukraine Regains Territory in Zaporizhzhia: A Turning Point in the War?

 Ukraine Regains Territory in Zaporizhzhia: A Turning Point in the War?

Is the war in Ukraine shifting in Kyiv’s favor? According to the Ukrainian outlet Euromaidan Press, the army has launched a new offensive in the east of the country.

Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces made significant advances near Oleksandrivka, a strategic area at the intersection of the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions.

Nine Localities Liberated

Ukrainian authorities announced that nine towns previously occupied by Russian forces were freed within a week of operations.

300 Square Kilometers Recovered

After months on the defensive, Ukraine’s military managed to reverse the situation, reclaiming more than 300 square kilometers in Zaporizhzhia.

Presidential Congratulations

“I won’t give many details, but I want to congratulate our army – and all defense forces – because so far, 300 square kilometers have been liberated,” President Volodymyr Zelensky told AFP at the end of February.

Iranian Women’s National Team Returns Home Under Threat of Death Penalty — Only Five Remain in Australia

 Iranian Women’s National Team Returns Home Under Threat of Death Penalty — Only Five Remain in Australia

The Australian government offered asylum to the Iranian women’s national football team, but only five players accepted the proposal. The rest of the delegation returned to Iran, where they may face the death penalty for refusing to sing the national anthem before a match in the Asian Cup.

This is a very serious and sensitive situation. The report highlights both the political risks faced by athletes in Iran and the limited uptake of asylum offers abroad.

Portugal: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Bids Farewell with a Unique Gesture Toward Journalists

 Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Bids Farewell with a Unique Gesture Toward Journalists

Just after stepping down as President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa marked the moment with a symbolic gesture toward the press. The outgoing head of state thanked journalists for their “patience over the past ten years” but declined to make any formal statements, reiterating that he had entered the promised “eternal desert.”

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived at the National Palace of Ajuda at 5:35 p.m. on Monday, March 9, where he was decorated by the new President of the Republic, António José Seguro, with the Grand Collar of the Order of Liberty. Upon arrival, he refused to speak, recalling the phrase he had used in December to describe his future after leaving office.

At the end of the ceremony, around 6:10 p.m., he agreed to take a selfie with journalists waiting outside the palace. “Selfie, yes, but no little words,” he cautioned. As he walked to his car, he repeated that he would say “nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing,” except for one remark: “Thank you for your patience over the past ten years.” When asked if that was his final word, he replied: “Yes, it is the last word.”

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a retired law professor who rose to prominence as a political commentator, concluded his second and final consecutive term as President at the age of 77. Known for his fast-paced style and informal, close contact with citizens, he left office after a decade in power. The former PSD leader was first elected on January 24, 2016, with 52% of the vote in the first round, and re-elected five years later with 60.67%.

Happy International Women’s Day 2026: Rights. Justice. Action

 

Rights. Justice. Action

On this International Women’s Day 2026, we move beyond words to action.
Rights must be protected. Justice must be delivered. Action must be taken.

When women and girls are empowered with education, opportunities, and a voice, entire communities rise.

Let us stand together to ensure that every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, and hope.

#InternationalWomensDay #RightsJusticeAction #IWD2026

Michael Jackson Accused of Sexual Abuse by Four Siblings

 

The late pop icon Michael Jackson is facing a lawsuit filed by four siblings — Edward, Dominic, Marie-Nicole, and Aldo Cascio — who accuse him of grooming, drugging, and sexually abusing them over more than a decade. Some of the alleged victims were as young as seven when the abuse reportedly began.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the lawsuit claims Jackson used coded phrases such as “can we have a meeting?”, “Neverland,” “Yogi Tea,” and “let’s go to Disneyland” to initiate what they describe as “extreme sexual acts.” The siblings also allege that Jackson gave them wine — referred to as “Jesus juice” — and strong alcoholic drinks — called “Disney juice” — along with drugs to make them more compliant.

Attorney Marty Singer, representing Jackson’s estate, dismissed the lawsuit as a “desperate attempt to obtain money.” He emphasized that the Cascio family had defended Jackson for more than 25 years, insisting on his innocence, and argued that the new claims contradict earlier statements, including those published in Frank Cascio’s 2011 book.

Jackson’s relationship with the Cascio family reportedly began in the 1980s when he met their father, Dominic Cascio, at a luxury hotel in New York. The lawsuit alleges that Jackson showered the children with extravagant gifts, invited them to travel the world, and celebrated holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas with them. He frequently visited the Cascio family home in New Jersey, often bringing his own children along.

The complaint further claims that Jackson sexually abused Edward “Eddie” Cascio at Elizabeth Taylor’s home in Switzerland and at Elton John’s residence in the United Kingdom. It also alleges that Jackson’s team helped cover up the abuse by deliberately booking hotel rooms for the parents far away from their children, ensuring they would not know how much time Jackson spent alone with them.

The siblings say Jackson instructed them to avoid therapists and warned them against women, whom he described as “bad,” “deceitful,” “liars,” and capable of “smelling” if something sexual had occurred.

Angola Imported Over 200,000 Tons of Chicken in 2025

 Angola Imports Over 200,000 Tons of Chicken

Luanda, March 5 (ANGOP) – Angola imported more than 227,000 tons of frozen chicken last year, spending approximately USD 310 million to meet domestic demand, according to figures released by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The government highlighted that while imports remain high, they have fallen by nearly 19% compared to 2022, when Angola spent USD 381 million on chicken imports.

Push for Self-Sufficiency

Industry and Commerce Minister Rui Miguéns de Oliveira said the country’s goal is to reduce reliance on imports and eventually become self-sufficient in poultry production. National output has grown steadily, rising from 28,000 tons in 2019 to more than 64,000 tons in 2025.

Animal feed production has also expanded, reaching 3.5 million tons last year, mainly corn and soy, compared to 2.8 million tons in 2019.

Support for Local Producers

The government is providing inputs, credit, and incentives to strengthen the poultry sector. Partnerships with the Sovereign Fund and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are also being developed to modernize the value chain.

Economic Impact

Officials stressed that reducing imports will save foreign currency, create jobs, and improve food security. Poultry remains one of the most consumed sources of protein in Angola, making domestic production a strategic priority.

Summary: Angola spent USD 310 million importing frozen chicken in 2025, but national production is rising. The government aims to achieve self-sufficiency and eventually export poultry, supported by international partnerships and investment in agro-industry.