Total Lunar Eclipse March 3, 2026

Felixnews.com – A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. This phenomenon, a result of the dynamic movement of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, only occurs during the full moon phase and can be predicted in advance.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned. This causes the Moon to enter the Earth’s inner shadow (umbra). At the peak of the eclipse, the Moon will appear red if the sky is clear. The Moon’s red color is caused by Rayleigh scattering in Earth’s atmosphere. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered, so short-wavelength light, such as blue, is scattered more, while longer-wavelength light, such as red, escapes and reaches the Moon’s surface, making the Moon appear red.

Following the parade of planets at the end of February, Indonesian skies are once again preparing to welcome an equally stunning natural spectacle.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse, coinciding with the full Worm Moon, is predicted to envelop the Indonesian skies, turning the moon an exotic copper red.

This phenomenon is particularly special because it occurs in early 2026 and can be seen with the naked eye throughout Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke, without the need for special equipment.

Why is it called a “Worm Moon” and a “Blood Moon”?

The term “Worm Moon” refers to the March full moon, when, in the Northern Hemisphere, the ground begins to thaw and earthworms begin to reappear.

However, during a total eclipse, the moon will transform into a Blood Moon. This red color occurs because the Earth’s atmosphere refracts sunlight and projects a red spectrum onto the Moon’s surface.

The Best Way to Watch an Eclipse

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is 100 percent safe to view with the naked eye. You don’t need special glasses to view. Here are some tips to make your viewing experience more enjoyable.

Find a Clear Eastern Horizon: Since the phenomenon begins at new moonrise, make sure your eastward direction is clear of tall buildings or trees.

Minimize Light Pollution: Go to a darker area like a park or high ground to see a sharper red contrast.

Use Binoculars/Telescope: If you want to see the details of the moon’s craters hidden in shadow, a simple optical instrument will be very helpful.

Capture it with Night Mode: Use a tripod and your phone’s night mode to capture this rare moment.

12 Afghan soldiers killed in Pakistani military attack

Felixnews.com – A Pakistani military spokesman provided the latest developments in the war against Afghanistan at a press conference on Friday (February 27, 2026).

Pakistan airstrikes hit military targets in 22 locations across Afghanistan.

“At least 83 posts were destroyed and 17 captured. In addition to the 12 Pakistani soldiers killed, 27 others were injured,” the Pakistani military statement said.

Afghan government spokesman, Mujahid, said his government wants “dialogue” with Pakistan to resolve the ongoing fighting.

“We have repeatedly emphasized a peaceful solution, and we still want this issue resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid said at the press conference.

Mujahid claimed Pakistan has never wanted to resolve the issue through dialogue and that Islamabad’s reconnaissance drones are still flying over Afghan airspace.

He added that a “special” group within the Pakistani military is responsible for “destabilizing missions in the region.”

Mujahid added that Afghanistan will respond to “any malicious Pakistani action in Islamabad.”

He called the TTP issue a “pretext to destabilize the region,” calling it Pakistan’s “domestic issue.” “We have good relations with India, but those relations have never been against Pakistan.”

Bill Gates admits to having an affair with 2 Russian women

Felixnews.com – Bill Gates has finally spoken out after a long period of silence. The Microsoft founder has openly admitted to his past mistakes, including an affair that occurred while he was still married to Melinda French Gates.

This confession was made directly to Gates Foundation staff in an internal meeting, confirming various previously circulating claims.

In the meeting held on Tuesday (February 24, 2026), Gates admitted to having extramarital affairs with two Russian women.

This statement marked a significant turning point, especially since his name also appeared in documents released by the United States Department of Justice related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

So, who are the two Russian women Bill Gates admitted to having affairs with?

Bill Gates’ Confession to Gates Foundation Staff

In an internal meeting of his foundation, Bill Gates firmly confirmed that he had had affairs. He identified one woman as a Russian bridge player he met at a competition, while the other was a Russian nuclear physicist he met through business dealings.

“I did have affairs. One was with a Russian bridge player I met at a competition, and the other was with a Russian nuclear physicist I met through business,” Gates revealed.

This admission dispelled the speculation that had been circulating. However, Gates emphasized that his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein was not related to a sex trafficking ring.

He also denied ever engaging in illicit acts with the disgraced financier. “I never did anything illicit with Epstein,” he asserted.

According to Gates, the photographs of him with several unidentified women published in court documents were taken at the request of Epstein and his assistants after a meeting. He asserted that no illegal activity occurred during the meeting.

At the same time, Gates apologized to those affected by his misconduct. He acknowledged that his digital footprint and close relationship with Epstein had tarnished the reputation of the Gates Foundation.

First Person: Russian Bridge Player

The first woman Gates identified was a Russian bridge player. The two first met at a bridge competition.

From their meeting at a strategic sports arena, their relationship developed into a personal relationship outside of marriage.

While Gates did not reveal the woman’s full identity, he confirmed that the relationship occurred while he was still married to Melinda French Gates.

Bridge, a card game known for its strategy and analysis, was the starting point for their introduction. This is where their personal relationship began.

Second Person: Russian Nuclear Physicist

The second person has a very different background. Gates admitted to having a relationship with a Russian nuclear physicist.

Unlike his encounter with the bridge player, his relationship with the scientist began professionally. Gates met her through business interests. It was from this working relationship that a personal relationship developed.

The complex and technical field of nuclear physics became part of the professional environment that brought them together. Gates has openly admitted that the relationship was a major mistake in his life.

Link to Jeffrey Epstein

The revelation of these two Russian women cannot be separated from the name of Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein allegedly used the affair as a means of pressure on Gates.

After the United States Department of Justice released millions of pages of Epstein documents to the public, several draft emails were leaked, alleging that Epstein was aware of Gates’s affair. One of the drafts even claimed that Epstein helped cover up the scandal.

Bill Gates’ name appears among several other prominent figures in the official documents. They reveal personal ties, allegations of improper financial dealings, and even private photographs with Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

However, Gates firmly denied that his meetings with Epstein were related to a sex trafficking ring. He asserted that he was never involved in any illegal activity with Epstein.

Gates also admitted that his meetings with Epstein over approximately three years, which he described at the time as part of a philanthropic agenda, were a major mistake.

Trump Threatens to Deport Robert De Niro

Felixnews.com – Legendary Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro made a provocative prediction that Donald Trump will never leave office voluntarily. De Niro made this statement amidst the heated political climate in the United States following Trump’s recent State of the Union address.

In a counter-event titled “State of the Swamp” at the National Press Club, De Niro expressed his deep disappointment with the direction of the country’s leadership. “Tragically, we are now in a country controlled, run, and dedicated to a handful of dishonest, greedy, and cruel authoritarians,” the 82-year-old actor stated.

De Niro, known as Trump’s staunchest critic, appeared on MS NOW to warn the American people to take immediate action. He highlighted Trump’s statements about nationalizing elections as a serious threat.

“He’s never going to leave. We have to make him leave. Now he’s joking about nationalizing elections. He’s not joking. We’ve seen enough of this,” De Niro said.

The veteran actor added that he felt betrayed by his own country, but he still hoped America could return to the humanitarian values ​​that had been its strength.

Donald Trump did not remain silent. Through his platform, Truth Social, he launched a sharp counterattack. Trump called for several of his political opponents, including Robert De Niro and two Democratic members of Congress, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, to be deported from the United States.

Trump said Omar and Tlaib should be on a boat with the crazy Robert De Niro. He even insulted De Niro’s intelligence, calling him a person with a low IQ and comparing him to comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who now lives in Ireland.

For your information, Rosie O’Donnell decided to move to Ireland after Trump’s re-election. Last year, Trump even threatened to revoke O’Donnell’s citizenship, even though such action is legally prohibited by a US Supreme Court ruling.

Behind this heated feud, data shows the growing unrest in the American public. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 61% of respondents described Trump as becoming more erratic with age. This figure includes 89% of Democrats and 30% of Republicans.

Furthermore, a majority of Americans are beginning to question the relevance of aging leadership. Seventy-nine percent of respondents agree that elected officials in Washington are currently too old to represent the majority of Americans. Currently, the average age of a member of the U.S. Senate is 64, while the average age in the House of Representatives is 58.

In response to the poll results, White House spokesman Davis Ingle called them part of a “false and desperate narrative.” However, data from the Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos shows a significant challenge for Trump, with only 39% of Americans approving of his performance as president.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict remains unresolved

Felixnews.com – Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a new low after cross-border airstrikes and armed clashes erupted in the border region. Islamabad claims the military operation is aimed at eliminating militant groups, while Kabul accuses the attacks of targeting civilian areas and violating state sovereignty.

This incident is not an isolated incident. The security dynamics in the South Asian region are rooted in territorial disputes, allegations of support from armed groups, and complex geopolitical rivalries.

Durand Line Dispute

The main trigger for tensions is the Durand Line, a 2,611-kilometer border inherited from British colonial rule. Afghanistan has consistently refused to recognize this line as a legitimate international boundary. The sensitive status of this region has made strategic points such as Torkham and Spin Boldak frequent battlefields, leading to the closure of logistical access.

Relations between the two countries have also worsened due to Pakistani accusations that the leadership of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan soil. Islamabad believes this network is behind deadly attacks, including the 2014 Peshawar military school tragedy and the recent terror attack in Bajaur district.

Although the Taliban government in Kabul strongly denies this, increased militant activity since 2022 has widened the gulf of mistrust between the two countries.

Tensions escalated with the launch of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. On Friday (February 27, 2026), Pakistan used precision airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia to destroy militant strongholds. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called this escalation an open war.

In retaliation, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed attacks on Pakistani military installations along the border. This tit-for-tat exchange highlights the fragility of regional security stability.

Historical Dimension and Refugees

The roots of this conflict are also influenced by the legacy of the 1979 Soviet invasion and the September 11, 2001, tragedy. For decades, the border between the two countries has been an epicenter of armed groups. This situation is exacerbated by social issues; Islamabad’s deportation of tens of thousands of Afghan refugees has fueled negative sentiment and added diplomatic pressure on Kabul.

Competition for influence in the region has further complicated the situation. Kabul’s close relationship with New Delhi (India) is often viewed with suspicion by Islamabad. Some analysts believe that increased Afghanistan-India interaction has contributed to the deterioration of trilateral security perceptions in the region.

The international community is now pressing for diplomatic dialogue. Although Afghanistan’s conventional power is considered inferior to Pakistan’s, the pattern of cross-border retaliatory attacks is expected to recur as long as the TTP and Durand Line issues remain unresolved diplomatically.

Without a robust dialogue mechanism, national sovereignty and the security of civilians on both sides of the border remain at stake in this protracted conflict.

Viral: Monkey Punch Rejected by Its Own Mother

A baby monkey named Punch has become the center of attention on social media. Punch is a baby monkey at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.

A macaque monkey at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan went viral after being abandoned by its mother. The tragic incident ultimately led it to seek refuge in a stuffed orangutan provided by zoo staff.

“Currently, there is a little monkey holding a stuffed animal in its enclosure,” announced the official X account of Ichikawa City Zoo, Japan, introducing the young monkey named Punch, as quoted by Japanese media outlet The Mainichi.

Punch, a 6-month-old male monkey, was taken in by zookeepers after his mother refused to care for him. The adorable image of Punch holding the stuffed orangutan as a substitute for his mother touched many hearts, sparking the hashtag “#HangInTherePunch.”

Why Punch Was Rejected by His Own Mother

Punch’s mother had a difficult birth. Punch was born on July 26, 2025, weighing 500 grams. His mother was exhausted after giving birth to her first calf in the hot summer sun. It is suspected that this is why she showed no signs of wanting to care for her baby. The next day, zookeepers Kosuke Shikano, 24, and Shumpei Miyakoshi, 34, began caring for the baby.

According to Shikano, infant abandonment by monkeys occurs in some percentage.

“The burden of the first birth may be a factor. In the mountain monkey group, other mothers sometimes take over abandoned infants, so we observed Punch from a distance on the day of the birth, but there was no sign of any other monkeys wanting to care for him. Since Punch was healthy, we temporarily separated him from the other monkeys and began feeding him milk.”

Why Did Punch the Monkey Choose the Orangutan Doll?

How have zoo staff raised Punch over the past six months?

They raised Punch around other monkeys so he could eventually integrate smoothly into the monkey group on the mountain.

Monkeys begin clinging to their mother’s fur shortly after birth for comfort and to build muscle. Since Punch didn’t have this opportunity, zookeepers said they tried substitutes, including rolled-up towels and various stuffed animals. Among these, Punch favored the orangutan doll.

“The doll’s fur makes it easy to hold, and its appearance is also similar to a monkey, which likely provides a sense of security,” Shikano said.

At night, after the zookeepers leave, Punch spends time with the orangutan doll, snuggling up to sleep.

“The stuffed animal is a surrogate mother,” Shikano commented.

Trump Reportedly Plans to Attack Iran, Here Are 3 Iranian Targets on US Radar

United States President Donald Trump has reportedly given strict instructions to his advisors regarding the Iran crisis. If diplomatic efforts fail to halt Tehran’s nuclear program, Trump is considering a full-scale military strike aimed at removing the Iranian leadership from power.

Reports compiled from internal government discussions indicate that negotiators from both countries are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday (February 26, 2026). This meeting is seen as a last resort to avoid open military confrontation in the Middle East.

Although a final decision has not been made, Trump’s advisors are believed to be leaning towards a preemptive strike in the near future. The goal is to send a stern warning to Tehran to relinquish its nuclear weapons capabilities. Targets currently on the radar include:

  • The headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
  • The country’s nuclear development sites.
  • Ballistic missile program facilities.

If these steps do not lead Iran to surrender, Trump has opened the possibility of a much broader military strike by the end of the year to end the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Amidst the war preparations, a proposal emerged from IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi as a medical solution. This proposal would allow Iran to conduct very limited nuclear enrichment, solely for research and cancer treatment at the Tehran Research Reactor.

However, both sides remain very firm. Special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized Trump’s directive of “zero enrichment.” Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that producing nuclear fuel is his country’s legitimate right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Currently, US military pressure is at its highest level. The forces deployed in the seas around Iran are said to be the largest military concentration since the invasion of Iraq 23 years ago. Two aircraft carrier strike groups, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and the Gerald R. Ford, as well as dozens of fighter jets and bombers, are now within striking distance of Iranian positions.

Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly continuing to assess the operational risks of an airstrike. Iran represents a much more difficult target than the previous operation to capture Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

This US military action raises its own concerns. While many Iranians oppose Khamenei’s rule, a foreign attack could potentially trigger a nationalistic response that would unite the Iranian people against the US.

European officials at the Munich Security Conference expressed doubt that military pressure would force Tehran to abandon a program that has been a symbol of resistance for decades. The world now waits to see whether the Geneva meeting can produce a compromise that saves both sides face or could be the opening bell of a full-blown war.

Mexican Cartel Blockade Lifted, Airport Resumes Operations

Mexico’s Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection confirmed that all major roads and highways in the country have been fully restored. This restoration follows the riots and mass blockades sparked by the death of a major cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho.

“The highways and road network have returned to normal operation, and citizens should feel safe,” the department stated in an official statement on Tuesday (February 24, 2026).

As the security situation improves, national airline Aeromexico announced the gradual resumption of flights. Services to and from Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, and Tepic have resumed after previously having to adjust their schedules due to unrest in several states.

Two low-cost airlines, Volaris and Viva, also issued similar announcements on the same day, indicating that air traffic in Mexico is stabilizing.

Tensions in Mexico peaked on Sunday (February 22, 2026), when the country’s Ministry of Defense launched a large-scale military operation to capture El Mencho. He was the top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an organization that controls a transnational drug trafficking network.

According to the ministry, El Mencho died from injuries sustained while being evacuated to Mexico City. The kingpin’s death sparked a brutal retaliation from cartel members across the region. They launched a campaign of violence, set up roadblocks, and burned several buildings and vehicles in protest.

The government is now ensuring that security forces remain on alert to ensure national stability and ensure the smooth return of activities for residents and tourists.

How Did Mexico Kill the Powerful Cartel Leader El Mencho?

felixnews.com – The Mexican government killed the country’s most powerful cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, in a military operation in Jalisco State on Sunday (February 22, 2026) local time. The death of this top US fugitive sparked a wave of violence across Mexico.

The operation, targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, was described as the biggest blow to the drug network since the recapture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán a decade ago.

Following El Mencho’s death, armed groups suspected of being part of the cartel retaliated. Vehicles were set on fire and used to block roads in at least 20 states. Thick smoke billowed over several cities, while residents of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, chose to stay home. Several schools were also closed as security forces were put on alert nationwide. The Guatemalan government also tightened security along the border with Mexico.

This decisive step is seen as strengthening the Mexican government’s position in its relations with the United States, especially after US President Donald Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs or even unilateral military action if Mexico failed to show progress in combating drug cartels.

The Figure of El Mencho and His Cartel Expansion

Oseguera Cervantes (59) is from Michoacán and has been involved in organized crime for over 30 years. In 1994, he was convicted in the United States for heroin trafficking and served three years in prison.

Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which has since grown rapidly into one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. This cartel is known for smuggling cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the US, as well as engaging in human trafficking.

The group is also known for innovative violent tactics, including the use of drones and improvised explosives. In 2015, they shot down a Mexican military helicopter in Jalisco. The cartel also attempted to assassinate a top Mexican security official, Omar García Harfuch, who is now the federal security secretary.

In addition to narcotics, the cartel generates revenue from fuel theft, extortion, and timeshare property fraud.

The Mexican Ministry of Defense stated that the operation, conducted in the southern region of Jalisco, involved the air force and special forces. In the shootout, four cartel members were killed and three others wounded.

El Mencho suffered serious injuries and died while being flown to Mexico City. Three soldiers were reportedly injured and two people were arrested during the operation. Authorities also seized a rocket launcher capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.

El Mencho faces several charges in the United States. The US State Department even offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. The Trump administration previously designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised the operation via social media. Meanwhile, former DEA chief of international operations Mike Vigil considered Mexico’s move a “strong message” to Washington that the country is serious and aggressive in combating drug cartels.

However, several analysts believe the long-term impact of El Mencho’s death on Mexico’s security stability remains uncertain.

For Tarawih Prayers at Al-Aqsa, 50,000 Palestinians Break Through Israeli Barricades

Felixnews.com – Under tight military surveillance, approximately 50,000 Palestinian worshippers crowded the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem’s Old City to perform Isha and Tarawih prayers on Sunday evening (February 22, 2026). This momentum marked the solemnity of worship amidst escalating tensions engulfing the occupied territories.

The Jerusalem Provincial Government reported that the flow of worshippers continued despite having to pass through multiple Israeli military checkpoints. Strict identity checks were carried out at every entrance to one of Islam’s holiest sites.

This year’s Ramadan prayers are taking place under a tense atmosphere. Palestinians in the West Bank face not only strict security procedures but also the threat of attacks from settlers and regular raids by Israeli soldiers.

Wafa news agency reported that Israeli authorities have issued an order banning entry to the Al-Aqsa Mosque for more than 300 Jerusalemites during the holy month.

To control the crowds, Israeli forces have increased the presence of military personnel and imposed strict age restrictions on worshippers. Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque is restricted to:

  • Children: Under 12 years old.
  • Men: Over 55 years old.
  • Women: Over 50 years old.

Since the beginning of Ramadan on Wednesday (February 18, 2026), thousands of Palestinians have been seen queuing at various major checkpoints, including Qalandiya and Bethlehem. They have been waiting for hours in the hope of praying at the first direction of Islam’s Qibla.

Despite the restrictions, the enthusiasm of the congregation has not diminished. One of the worshippers who managed to enter expressed his gratitude despite the grueling process.

“The lines were incredibly long, and the identity checks were nerve-wracking. But what can I do? This is a call to pray Tarawih at Al-Aqsa,” said one worshipper who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons.

To date, the situation in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is reported to remain under control but highly volatile, with a military presence remaining on standby in every corner of the Old City.

Al-Aqsa Mosque, Ramadan in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Tarawih Prayers, Al-Aqsa Access Restrictions, Ramadan 2026