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Florida airbase on alert after discovery of suspicious package
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 00:00:00FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida: The FBI said on March 18 that a suspicious package found outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa earlier this week contained \"possible energetic materials.\"
The FBI Tampa office said in a statement posted on social media in the afternoon that an analysis of the material has not been completed. It said the investigation was continuing and provided no further details.
Energetic materials store large amounts of chemical energy and can include explosives, fuels, and propellants. The FBI did not reply to an email asking what kind of material was found in a package on March 16 outside the visitor center at MacDill Air Force Base.
Earlier, the base had issued a shelter-in-place order after receiving a threat. Officials said they take all threats seriously and are taking steps to keep the base safe, but they would not share details about the security measures.
The order was lifted about two hours later, but officials said the base is still on high alert.
On March 17, the base moved to Force Protection Charlie, or \"FPCON CHARLIE,\" which is the second-highest military security level. This allows officials to put extra security measures in place as a precaution.
Personnel at the base were told to stay alert, follow instructions from security teams, and report anything suspicious right away.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which is based at MacDill, oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia.
MacDill is one of several U.S. bases on increased alert since the conflict involving Iran began.
Last week, all six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft died in a crash while supporting operations related to Iran. Officials said three of them were linked to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill.
Special flight from UAE evacuates pets and owners back to Athens
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 00:00:00ATHENS, Greece: Dozens of dogs and cats arrived in Athens on March 18, with their owners aboard a special evacuation flight for Greeks with pets.
They were trapped in the Middle East due to the war in Iran.
Athens International Airport witnessed some emotional moments as small dogs happily jumped around after being taken out of their travel carriers. A special flight by Aegean Airlines from Abu Dhabi in the U.A.E. brought 45 pets and 101 people back home.
Nikos Chrysakis said pets are not just luggage but part of the family. He explained that the interior and foreign ministries worked together for days to make sure both people and animals returned safely.
Air travel across the Middle East has been badly affected by the conflict involving Iran, along with attacks by Israel and the United States. Many countries had to close their airspace, and thousands of flights were canceled in major travel hubs like Dubai and Qatar, leaving many travelers stuck.
For Danai Koukoulomati, it was essential to find a flight that would also take her cat, Muay Thai. She said her pet is family, and she would never leave him behind. However, she found it very difficult to find a flight that allowed animals, either in the cabin or in the cargo hold.
She added that during the conflict, her cat stayed calm, hiding in the bathroom during explosions, while she herself felt much more anxious.
Alexandra Papayanis, who had been living in Dubai for five years, returned with her dog Sirtaki and another dog for a friend. She also said it was very hard to find a flight that accepted pets. She stressed that pets are part of the family and bringing them home safely during such a crisis is very important. She described returning to Greece with her dog as a wonderful feeling.
Another traveler, Maria Theochari, said that leaving Dubai without her dog, Matisse, was impossible. She said she sees her pet as just one of her children and would never leave him behind.
Unilever considers food exit with McCormick deal talks
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 00:00:00LONDON, U.K.: Unilever is in discussions to sell its food business to U.S.-based McCormick & Company, in a potential deal that would accelerate the British consumer goods group's shift toward faster-growing segments.
The company confirmed that it had received an offer from McCormick, best known for its spices and sauces, and said talks were ongoing. McCormick also confirmed it was engaged in discussions regarding a possible transaction.
The move aligns with CEO Fernando Fernandez's strategy to refocus Unilever on higher-growth areas such as personal care and household products, following the spin-off of its ice cream business last year.
Unilever's food division, which includes brands such as Hellmann's, Knorr, and Marmite, generated more than 12.9 billion euros (US$14.91 billion) in sales in 2025, accounting for roughly a quarter of the company's total revenue. However, growth in the segment has lagged behind the broader business, as consumers increasingly move away from processed foods.
\"We think it is sensible that Unilever is looking at options for its food business,\" said Richard Saldanha, global equity portfolio manager at Aviva, a Unilever investor. \"It's clear the company wants to focus on areas such as personal care and beauty where underlying category and volume growth are more attractive.\"
The potential deal would be a significant undertaking for McCormick, which has a market capitalisation of about $14.5 billion, far smaller than the estimated value of Unilever's food unit. Analysts at Barclays have valued the division at between 28 billion euros and 31 billion euros.
That scale raises questions about deal structure and potential benefits. \"This potential deal seems complex. McCormick is much smaller than Unilever Food - Unilever Food generates around 3x the profit of McCormick - so unclear what value can be created as a combined entity, and what structure can be proposed that offers value to shareholders,\" said Tineke Frikkee, a portfolio manager at W1M.
Unilever's shares rose 1.3 percent following news of the talks, indicating a cautious market response. The discussions also come shortly after the company completed the spin-off and listing of its ice cream business, a process that weighed on its stock.
According to a person familiar with the matter, McCormick's offer was unsolicited. Both companies said there is no certainty that a deal will be reached and did not disclose financial details.
Analysts and bankers said any agreement could take the form of a \"Reverse Morris Trust transaction,\" a structure that allows a company to spin off a business and merge it with another entity in a tax-efficient manner.
\"A deal would likely be structured along the lines of a Reverse Morris Trust transaction, with Unilever essentially spinning off its Food division, to then merge with McCormick and Unilever shareholders retaining the majority of the combined entity,\" Bernstein analysts said.
The confirmation of talks follows media reports that Unilever was exploring options for its food division. Earlier this week, the Financial Times reported that the company had considered merging its food assets with Kraft Heinz's condiments business, though those discussions have since ended.
Spain will not ask U.S. to close Spanish bases as military flights overfly Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 07:37:00Spain will not demand that the United States closes its two bases in Spain despite the war of words between President Donald Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over the Iran war. Spain would not allow U.S. aircraft to use Spanish bases but military transport and passenger aircraft regularly fly over Mallorca airspace.
U.S. military C130 Hercules transport aircraft overfly Mallorca as they head to and from other U.S bases across the Mediterranean. Light U.S. transport aircraft are regular visitors to Palms airport.
But six U.S. air tanker aircraft, used to refuel heavy bombers, stayed clear of Mallorca airspace as they headed east, staying in international airspace close to Mallorca. U.S. air force B2 bombers, followed a similar route a few weeks ago.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been a major critic of President Trump and the Iran war. Infact Trump criticised Sanchez as a \"loser\" over his stance on the war and has warned that Spain will suffer.
The United States maintains two large bases in Spain and Rota near Cadiz is home to a squadron of U.S. destroyers.
Mallorca set for a cracking Easter but fears over strikes at Palma airport
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 06:41:00Mallorca is on course for one of its best ever Easter holiday periods as tourists divert to the island from Cyprus, Turkey and a lesser extent Greece as a result of the Gulf war. British tour operators have reported a surge in demnd for Mallorca over recent days.
But there is a low point. Ground staff at many Spanish airports, including Palma airport, are due to strike before and during the Easter holidays. At Palma airport it could affect up to 800,000 people. Also, at Palma airport it will be the first big test of the new European Union entry and exit system which has led to long queues at other Spanish airports.
Ground staff at 12 Spanish airports are due to strike, including Palma. Employees of Groundforce, will begin begin indefinite strike action from next Friday. It will see stoppages on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridayss during three time slots from 5 to 7a.m., 11a.m to 5p.m. and then from 10p.m. to midnight.
Other handling staff have planned 24 hour strikes on March 28 and 29 and from April 2 to 6. Airport authorities have warned that if the strikes go ahead travellers should be prepared for queues and delays.
The strikes are a blow for the Mallorca tourist industry which is preparing for a record period, with 80 percent of hotels open, after a long winter.
4 bedroom Villa for sale in Olerdola with pool – € 390,000
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 09:01:01For sale: Detached single-family home, built in 2005, featuring a reinforced concrete structure and classic tiled roof. The property offers large double-glazed windows that fill every room with natural light. The house includes 4 spacious and bright bedrooms, suitable for double beds, wardrobes, and study areas. It has several full bathrooms plus a guest bathroom at the entrance. The layout is distributed over two very comfortable floors, all in excellent condition. The living room stands out for its fireplace and double-height ceiling, creating a wonderful sense of space; from here, you can… See full property details
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Costa del Sol among Spain’s happiest places with 300 days of sun ' see where your city ranks
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 08:30:00LEADING Spain’s happiness rankings, Malaga has taken the top spot as coastal regions dominate thanks to their lifestyle, climate and infrastructure.
Malaga has been named Spain’s happiest city in 2026 after topping the Spain Happy Index with 91.36 points.
The result reflects a wider trend of coastal areas across southern and eastern Spain dominating the rankings thanks to their quality of life, strong services and year-round climate.
The new index was compiled this year by Sonneil Homes using data from official sources, including Ministerio del Interior and the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET).
It ranks locations based on factors such as weather, safety, healthcare, international schools and proximity to airports.
READ MORE: Spain is now the world’s second most visited country ' ahead even of Italy and the US, new data shows
The Costa del Sol scored 83.8 points overall, placing it among the top-performing coastal regions, just behind Almería’s coast with 84 and ahead of the Costa Blanca with 81.
Spain’s islands ranked even higher, with Formentera exceeding 91 points and southern Tenerife reaching 90.5, placing them among the highest-rated locations in the country.
Sunshine was identified as a key factor, with many of the top enjoying more than 300 days of sun each year.
Experts say exposure to sunlight helps boost serotonin levels, often referred to as the ‘happiness hormone’, which plays a role in regulating mood and sleep.
Spain records around 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s leading destinations for outdoor living.
Regions including Valencia, Murcia, Andalucía and the Costa del Sol stood out for combining favourable weather conditions with developed infrastructure and public services.
READ MORE: Malaga ‘set to lose one-fifth of its GDP by 2050 thanks to extreme weather driven by climate change’, alarming study finds
Average temperatures also contributed to higher scores, reaching up to 22°C in the Canary Islands and around 19°C along southern coastal areas.
The study also highlighted how sustained tourism has driven investment in hospitals, airports, shopping centres and schools across many coastal areas.
While the index highlights lifestyle advantages, it is based on property market insights and aims to guide buyers in choosing locations that match their priorities.
Curious to see how your city ranks? Explore the happiness index here.
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Spain’s Health Ministry recalls baby sunscreen providing less protection than advertised
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 08:30:00SPAIN’s Health Ministry has ordered a recall of a baby sunscreen from the market after discovering it provided less sun protection than advertised.
Austrian skincare brand Ringana said it was withdrawing its SPF 50 Fresh Baby sunscreen from sale following the Ministry’s announcement on Friday.
The alert came to Spain after Austrian authorities issued a Europe-wide warning over the product earlier this week, prompting the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) to scramble into action.
READ MORE: Bogus Alicante doctor arrested for bungled hyaluronic acid injections on underage girl’s lips
A spokesperson for AEMPS, which operates under the Spanish Ministry of Health, explained that while the product’s label claimed ‘high’ sun protection, its actual protection factor corresponded to ‘medium’ under European regulations.
Sunscreen works by either reflecting or absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin and causing damage.
Products with higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) provide stronger defense against UV rays, which are responsible for sunburn and long-term skin damage.
When sunscreen does not provide sufficient protection, skin is left vulnerable to UV radiation.
READ MORE: Massive pollen waves set to sweep across Andalucia in ‘perfect storm’ for allergy sufferers
This can result in sunburn, premature aging, and, over time, increase the risk of skin cancers.
Babies and young children are particularly susceptible because their skin is thinner and more sensitive than that of adults.
Even a short period in the sun without adequate protection can lead to painful burns and dehydration.
Ringana has been manufacturing skincare products since its establishment in 1996, and its Fresh Baby line is marketed specifically for infants’ delicate skin.
The recall represents a rare safety issue in the brand’s history.
Ringana has yet to comment on the matter.
Click here to read more Health News from The Olive Press.
Golden Leaves offers Spain’s largest funeral support team
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 08:00:59Golden Leaves International has expanded its team in Spain as part of its ongoing commitment to providing stronger support and reassurance for customers across the country.
Following continued growth and joining together with Avalon Funeral Plans, the company’s Spanish operation is now 10 times bigger.
This growing team allows Golden Leaves to provide the responsive, reliable service that funeral plan holders depend on ' particularly at times when support is needed most.
From March 31, all Spanish administration and customer services will relocate to their larger Head Office in Algorfa, Alicante. Bringing the growing team together in one central location will help ensure faster communication, quicker responses and even stronger customer support.
Emma Quantrill from Golden Leaves, says the focus of the expansion is simple: ensuring customers always have someone they can rely on.
“Funeral plans are about peace of mind,” Emma explained. “People want to know that when the time comes, there is a professional team ready to help, day and night. By expanding our team and bringing everyone together, customers and their families now have the largest team in Spain at their disposal when they need us.”
Funeral services can be required at any time, having a larger, coordinated team is essential. Unlike other providers, Golden Leaves operates a 24/7 contact service, ensuring that customers and their families receive help quickly whenever it is needed.
Becky Laurie, Head of Golden Leaves Contact Centre & Venues, says the larger team means customers benefit from greater reassurance and faster support.
“When someone contacts us, they often need help quickly,” Becky said. “Having a team of more than 120 people means we can respond faster, support families more effectively and make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible at a difficult time.”
Golden Leaves stands apart from many providers operating in Spain. As an FCA-authorised funeral plan provider, eligible customers benefit from protection through the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), offering an additional level of financial protection.
Importantly, the move will not affect any existing funeral plans supported by Golden Leaves or Avalon. Customers can be reassured that their plans, payments and terms remain exactly the same. Funds continue to be securely protected in trust under UK regulation, providing the same level of security customers have always relied upon.
Golden Leaves customers can continue to contact the team as they always have on 966 493 082.
Or visit their Head Office at Urb La Finca, C. Albatera, 1-68, 03169 Algorfa, Alicante
Roundup: Duplantis claims gold, Simon Ehammer breaks heptathlon world record at World Indoor Championships
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-22 00:00:00TORUN, Poland, March 22 (Xinhua) -- World record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden claimed his fourth consecutive world indoor title in the men's pole vault at the World Athletics Indoor Championships here on Saturday, clearing 6.25 meters to set a season's best.
Duplantis opened with an easy clearance at 5.50m. Greece's Emmanouil Karalis, ranked second in the world after clearing 6.17m at the Greek indoor championships, opted to start at 5.70m and remained flawless until missing his first attempt at 6.00m. He regrouped to clear 6.00m and then 6.05m at the first attempt to become Duplantis' only serious challenger.
The Swede delivered a masterclass in consistency, clearing 6.10m, 6.15m and 6.25m all at the first attempt to break his own championship record and secure gold. Karalis failed at 6.20m and 6.25m and settled for silver, while Australia's Kurtis Marschall equaled his personal best at 6.00m to take bronze. It was the first time in an indoor global championship that three men cleared six meters in the same competition.
\"I am proud of our jumps and of winning,\" Duplantis said. \"Today it was more about the competition itself. It was a tough competition, so I didn't go for the world record.\"
Belgium claimed the mixed 4x400m relay title in dominant fashion, clocking three minutes 15.60 seconds to break the championship record. Spain took silver in 3:16.96, while Jamaica was disqualified for an illegal position switch before a takeover, promoting host Poland to bronze in 3:17.44.
In the men's high jump, 24-year-old Ukrainian Oleh Doroshchuk cleared 2.30 meters on his first attempt to claim his first international title. Mexico's Erick Portillo emerged as a dark horse, clearing 2.30m on his third and final attempt to secure silver with a personal best. South Korea's Woo Sang-hyeok and Jamaica's Raymond Richards shared bronze with 2.26m.
The 400m finals were contested in two timed sections. Canada's Christopher Morales Williams won the men's 400m in 44.76 seconds in the second section, breaking the championship record. The USA's Khaleb McRae took silver in 45.03, and Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem Richards claimed bronze in 45.39.
In the women's 400m, Czech runner Lurdes Gloria Manuel, also in the second section, ran a personal best of 50.76 to win gold. Poland's Natalia Bukowiecka set a national indoor record of 50.83 for silver, and the Netherlands' Lieke Klaver took bronze in 51.02.
After two days of competition, Switzerland's Simon Ehammer amassed 6,670 points in the men's heptathlon to break the world record and clinch gold. Heath Baldwin and Kyle Garland of the United States took silver and bronze, respectively.
Italy's Nadia Battocletti won the women's 3,000m in eight minutes 57.64 seconds, followed by American Emily Mackay (8:58.12) and Australia's Jessica Hull (8:58.18).
Britain's Josh Kerr claimed the men's 3,000m gold in 7:35.56, edging Olympic champion Cole Hocker of the United States, who finished in 7:35.70. France's Yann Schrub took bronze by just 0.01 seconds.
In the women's triple jump, Cuba's Leyanis Perez Hernandez defended her title with a second-round leap of 14.95 meters. World record holder Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela took silver with a fourth-round effort of 14.86m, while Senegal's Saly Sarr set a personal best of 14.70m to claim bronze.
In the men's 60m hurdles final, Poland's Jakub Szymanski delighted the home crowd by clocking 7.40 seconds to edge Spain's Enrique Llopis (7.42) and claim the host nation's first gold medal of the championships. Trey Cunningham of the United States took bronze in 7.43 seconds.
The women's 60m final was equally tight. Italy's Zaynab Dosso claimed gold in 7.00 seconds, while American Jacious Sears and Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred both clocked 7.03. Sears took silver by three thousandths of a second on photo finish, leaving Alfred with bronze.
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