This seems unworkable. The FAA won’t allow any helicopters, including fire, law enforcement, and military emergency vehicles, in LAX airspace. The new restrictions come as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s effort to improve safety following last year’s deadly midair collision in D.C. “As a result of the FAA’s proactive nationwide safety review of airports […] The post FAA Won’t Allow Emergency Helicopters in LAX Airspace appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

President Donald Trump said that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, following reports of his killing in a joint military operation conducted by the United States and Israel. “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday afternoon.  “This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,” Trump said. A senior Israeli official told Reuters earlier in the day that Khamenei’s body was found, and Iranian media reported that his son-in-law and daughter-in-law were also killed in the joint operation against Iran that began early Saturday morning. In a post-Khamenei Iran, the future of the country would be in the hands of its citizens, according to Victoria Coates, the former deputy national security advisor to President Donald Trump, who spoke with The Daily Signal on Saturday before reports of Khamenei’s death. It is “not America’s mission to go and create democracy in Iran. That’s for the people of Iran if they wish to do it, or whatever other form of government they might want,” Coates told The Daily Signal. She currently serves as vice president of the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation. In a video message announcing the operation early Saturday morning, Trump told the Iranian people that their freedom was “at hand.” “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance for generations,” Trump said. Timing Operation Epic Fury, the joint operation, targeted key regime assets, military installations, and Khamenei’s compound. Neither Coates nor Ilan Berman, senior vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council, believe the U.S. operation will last for an extended period of time. Both spoke with The Daily Signal before reports of Khamenei’s death. “What we’ve seen so far is something much closer to Venezuela than to Iraq and Afghanistan in the past, right in terms of administration signaling,” Berman said, referring to the U.S. capture of Venezuelan totalitarian leader Nicolás Maduro in January. “The optimal scenario for the president is for the supreme leader [of Iran] to go and for a new crop of leaders that are more amenable to compromise with the United States to come about,” Berman said. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean that, you know, [Trump] wants to take out the entire regime, and he wants to pull it out, root and branch.” In Venezuela, members of Maduro’s regime remain in power, but have proven to be amenable to cooperating with the U.S. now that Maduro is sitting in prison in New York. Trump said in a video announcing the U.S. strikes in Iran that the operation is being conducted “for the future.” “We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran,” Trump said. US Targets The U.S. sought a diplomatic solution with Iran during three rounds of recent negotiations, but Iran refused to agree to stop enriching stockpiles of uranium. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, one of the diplomats involved in recent talks between the U.S. and Iran, told CBS News that the Iranians were willing to minimize enrichment, forgo stockpiling nuclear material, and allow IAEA inspections. “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” Trump said in his video message Saturday, adding, “We’re going to annihilate their navy.” Coates says she believes there are “off ramps” built into Trump’s planned operation in Iran, “so if we get farther faster than we anticipated, the president can cut things off.”   Khamenei’s death could be one of the “off ramps” for U.S. deescalation in the region.   The U.S. is targeting Iran’s ships and naval capacities “because the president understands that the first natural Iranian reaction would be to do maneuvers to close or narrow the Strait of Hormuz,” Berman said. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and is a key oil shipping lane. Global oil markets would be affected if Iran successfully closed the Strait of Hormuz, Berman explained, adding global pressure on the U.S. to halt its operation against Iran. Most of the U.S. strikes so far have focused on Iranian military targets, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a national security research organization based in D.C. The Israel Defense Forces say they have carried out strikes against Iran’s missile launchers and aerial defense systems. Iranian Response The Iranian regime responded by launching missiles at Israeli and U.S. military assets in the Middle East. Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said Saturday it “is dealing with damage in three buildings” in the capital city of Manama and nearby Muharraq caused by “drone attacks and falling debris from an intercepted missile.” Smoke rises after Iran carried out a missile strike on the main headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images) Iran has also targeted countries that host U.S. military bases, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. A concern, according to Coates, is that Iran will activate terrorist sleeper cells in the U.S. “We don’t know what crossed over our southern border or any of our other borders during the Biden administration, and we but we do know there were a number of folks on the terrorist watch list who got in,” Coates said. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Saturday that she is in “direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland.” Middle East ‘Anti-Iran’ Sentiment The United Arab Emirates “condemned and denounced” the Iranian missile attacks in a statement Saturday, calling the targeting of “the UAE and several brotherly nations in the region” a “flagrant violation of national sovereignty and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.” There is now an “anti-Iran regime” coalition forming in the Middle East, according to Berman. “The Iranians have done themselves no favors, because they’ve hardened Arab attitudes about the need for regime change in Iran,” he said. It is possible, according to Jacob Olidort, chief research officer and director of American security at the America First Policy Institute, that nations such as Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia will also take action against Iran, especially if their civilians are killed as Iran targets U.S. military infrastructure in the region. The operation’s “consequences,” Olidort says, “will be global in scale, and they will dramatically transform the global landscape.” Olidort explains the operation against Iran provides “a great deal more opportunities for the United States and its partners to expand opportunities for peace and prosperity.” The post BREAKING: Trump Says Khamenei Is Dead. What Happens Now in Iran?  appeared first on The Daily Signal.

'Body Heat' and Kicking the Washington Post One Last Time

Appearing as a guest on Thursday's The Last Word on MS NOW, veteran actor Morgan Freeman compared America under Donald Trump to Nazi Germany. As Freeman appeared to promote the series The Gray House about a group of Southern women who spied for the Union during the American Civil War, host Lawrence O'Donnell brought up the time Freeman read the final message of civil rights icon John Lewis for O'Donnell's show, leading the actor to remark, "The world today is not the world he left." The MS NOW host then posed: "With all your life experience, and to say that the world he left is a different world from where we are now, how would you describe where we are now?" After pausing, Freeman commented: "Can I use any profanity? ... Well, we have somebody sitting in the White House who's leading us down a s--t hole." Performing a dramatic reading of history for Lawrence O'Donnell on MS (DNC), actor Morgan Freeman pretends today's America is a constant reminder of "Germany in 1935." Under Trump, "we have somebody sitting in the White House who's leading us down a s--t hole." pic.twitter.com/p4ELocp0fO — Tim Graham (@TimJGraham) February 28, 2026 He invoked President Donald Trump's history of being prosecuted for felonies by Democrats, leading O'Donnell to follow up: "Were you, with your life experience, did it feel like we were going backwards? Did it feel like the country was on, as Martin Luther King would say, you know, the arc of history was turning toward progress all the time, and did this feel different?" Freeman then jumped into his Nazi Germany comparison: Very different, very different. I'm constantly reminded of Germany in 1935, what was happening there, the Brownshirts, those people that are marching through particularly Berlin, rounding up people and putting them in box cars and sending them off. Now, this administration wants to build large detention centers and -- for what? Question. The MS NOW host then claimed that, from the point of view of young people, the world has never been worse in their lifetime, leading Freeman to agree: O'DONNELL: What do you tell young people who are living through this, and this, they think, is the worst thing -- certainly the worst -- if you're 20 years old, 25 years old, this is the worst thing that you've seen, is the condition this country is in now. FREEMAN: Absolutely. Absolutely the worst. I don't know what I would say to young people other than, "If you are at all aware of where we're headed -- where we are right now and where we're headed, and if you don't agree with it, then there is one sure way to change the direction of our country. Vote." Transcript follows: MS NOW's The Last Word February 26, 2026 10:49 p.m. Eastern LAWRENCE O'DONNELL: But those words are as important today as they were when he wrote them. They really are eternal words that he wrote. MORGAN FREEMAN, ACTOR: A little bit more. O'DONNELL: Yeah. FREEMAN: A little bit more important, I think. O'DONNELL: Yeah. FREEMAN: The world today is not the world he left. So it's it's an important message that he left. We should -- it should be posted somewhere so we can remind ourselves of it from time to time. O'DONNELL: With all your life experience, and to say that the world he left is a different world from where we are now, how would you describe where we are now? FREEMAN: Ummm. (pauses) Can I use any profanity? O'DONNELL: You can say whatever you want. FREEMAN: Well, we have somebody sitting in the White House who's leading us down a shit hole. I can't personally understand how a convicted felon -- convicted -- 34 felon -- felonious -- is that word -- counts of wrongdoing gets to be President. How do you do that? Well, you say, "Well, he was camp --" I don't care. That ruling went down before he stepped into the Oval Office, so it just doesn't make sense to me. O'DONNELL: Were you, with your life experience, did it feel like we were going backwards? Did it feel like the county was on, as Martin Luther King would say, you know, the arc of history was turning toward progress all the time, and did this feel different?  FREEMAN: Very different, very different. I'm constantly reminded of Germany in 1935, what was happening there, the Brownshirts, those people that are marching through particularly Berlin, rounding up people and putting them in box cars and sending them off. Now, this administration wants to build large detention centers and -- for what? Question. O'DONNELL: What do you tell young people who are living through this, and this, they think, is the worst thing -- certainly the worst -- if you're 20 years old, 25 years old, this is the worst thing that you've seen, is the condition this country is in now. FREEMAN: Absolutely. Absolutely the worst. I don't know what I would say to young people other than, "If you are at all aware of where we're headed -- where we are right now and where we're headed, and if you don't agree with it, then there is one sure way to change the direction of our country. Vote." O'DONNELL: The old message is the new message. FREEMAN: Yes.

The Bible isn’t just the sacred source of Christian tradition — it’s also the ultimate baby-name book. While a handful of Old Testament names have stayed in steady rotation, scripture offers many others that are meaningful, dignified, and largely forgotten.Here are 10 Old Testament names — ranked by modern familiarity — for parents who want something biblical, rooted, and just a little unexpected. 1. Amos Book of AmosA shepherd turned prophet, Amos delivered some of the Bible’s most direct warnings against corruption and moral complacency. His words still resonate: “Let justice roll down like waters” (Amos 5:24).The name means “burden-bearer,” which sounds heavy until you realize that’s exactly the point. Short, serious, and literary, Amos feels timeless rather than trendy.Famous Amoses: Amos Oz (novelist), Amos Lee (musician), Amos Alonzo Stagg (coach) 2. Asa 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 14–16Asa was a king of Judah remembered for religious reform and a sincere effort to remove idols. Scripture presents him as faithful, if imperfect.Often translated as “healer” or “physician,” Asa is ancient, compact, and surprisingly modern to the ear.Famous Asas: Asa Butterfield (actor), Asa Gray (botanist), Asa Hutchinson (former governor) 3. Boaz Book of RuthBoaz is the upright kinsman-redeemer who marries Ruth and becomes the great-grandfather of King David. He’s portrayed as generous, attentive, and morally grounded.The name likely means “strength.” Short, rugged, and unmistakably biblical, Boaz feels bold without being archaic.Famous Boazes: Boaz Yakin (filmmaker), Boaz Mauda (musician) 4. Tamar Genesis 38; Ruth 4Tamar plays a complicated but central role in Genesis and becomes part of the lineage of King David. Her story is difficult but ultimately redemptive.Her name means “palm tree,” a biblical symbol of resilience and endurance. Common globally, rare in the U.S.Famous Tamars: Tamar Braxton, Tamar Novas 5. Jethro Exodus 3; 18Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law, a Midianite priest who famously advised Moses on delegation — saving him from burnout long before the term existed.The name suggests abundance or overflow and carries undeniable presence. Memorable but not for the timid.Famous Jethros: Jethro Tull (band), Jethro Burns (musician) 6. Elihu Book of JobElihu is the youngest speaker in Job, stepping in when Job’s friends fall silent. He’s thoughtful, corrective, and framed as preparing the way for God’s response.The name means “He is my God.” Distinctly biblical and rarely used today.Famous Elihus: Elihu Root (statesman, Nobel Peace Prize laureate) 7. Obadiah 1 Kings 18; Book of ObadiahObadiah was a faithful official who hid prophets from Jezebel and also authored one of the Bible’s shortest prophetic books.His name means “servant of the Lord.” Formal, weighty, and unapologetically biblical.Famous Obadiahs: Obadiah Stane ("Iron Man," fictional but familiar) 8. Jair Numbers 32; Judges 10Jair served as a judge of Israel for 22 years and is remembered more for stability than spectacle — a rarity in Judges.The name means “he enlightens.” Short, strong, and unfamiliar without being difficult.Famous Jairs: Jair Bolsonaro (political figure) 9. Zerah Genesis 38; Numbers 26Zerah was the twin son of Judah and Tamar, remembered for his unusual birth, marked by a scarlet thread. His name endured through Israel’s genealogies.Meaning “rising” or “dawning,” Zerah is poetic, compact, and ancient.Famous Zerahs: Zerah Colburn (19th-century mathematical prodigy) 10. Huldah (most uncommon) 2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34Huldah was a prophetess consulted by King Josiah during a major religious reform — her authority unquestioned.The name sounds ancient because it is. Deeply biblical, historically important, and virtually unused today.Famous Huldahs: Huldah Pierce (American folk artist)Come back tomorrow for our list of 10 underrated New Testament names!

Israeli officials claim that Iranian dictator Ali Khamenei was among those senior-ranking Iranian officials killed in Saturday's joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes. While Iranian propagandists have suggested that the geriatric dictator is alive and kicking, President Donald Trump backed the Israeli account.According to Axios, Reuters, and CNN, Israeli officials say that Khamenei — who reports previously indicated had been moved to a secure location outside the national capital of Tehran, where his compound was destroyed — is indeed dead.'We feel that that is a correct story.'Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, reportedly made the same boast to U.S. officials.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to state outright that Khamenei has been eliminated.Netanyahu did note, however, that attacking forces "destroyed the compound of the tyrant," that the ayatollah's plan to destroy Israel "is no more," and that "there are many signs that the tyrant himself is no more."The Israeli prime minister and the heads of Israel's security establishment were allegedly provided with proof of the successful assassination, namely a photo of the dictator's body.RELATED: World leaders respond to regime-change strikes on Iran: 'Peacekeeper is at it again' The White HouseTrump suggested in a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday that his administration believes the Iranian dictator is dead."I've spoken to a lot of people beyond, and we feel certain, we feel, we feel that that is a correct story," said the president, adding that "the people that make all the decisions, most of them are gone."The Iranian state-linked Tasnim and Mehr news agencies have reportedly suggested that Khamenei is still alive — "steadfast and firm in commanding the field."The U.S. has yet to confirm one way or the other.Blaze News has reached out to the White House as well as the Departments of State and War for comment.The 86-year-old Shia radical, who has served as Iran's supreme leader since 1989, has been antagonistic toward the U.S. and Israel, characterizing America as a "corrupt, oppressive" empire and prematurely insinuating that the American military might not be able to "get up again" after a conflict with Tehran.Reports indicate that among the Iranian officials also believed dead are Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Javad Pourhossein, head of Iran's foreign intelligence unit; Mohammad-Reza Bajestani, head of the security unit; Ali Kheirandish, head of the counterterrorism unit; Saeed Ehya Hamidi, adviser on the war with Israel; and at least three members of Iran's Basij paramilitary forces.This is a developing story.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!